Vancouver Vipers Fold

The old adage of “one foot in the grave” has been circulating around Vancouver for quite some time now. It really started a few years ago and, well, the other foot has finally followed. The Vancouver Vipers are finally done.

Nobody likes to hear this. The kids; parents who spent their hard earned money that would allow their child to pursue the dream. Whether it was to eventually play at a higher level of junior hockey or in college someday. . . the dream was there for a while. For some hopefully it will continue as their search for a new teams begins. God knows there are a few teams around that need more players.

I guess the question should be asked; if the team knew at the beginning of the season they didn’t have enough players to compete, why the hell would you even start the season? Wouldn’t you think, not only about the safety of the players, but the financial feasibility to actually last the entire season?

The team’s official announcement stated the lack of players and their safety as the reason for shutting down operations. Well, 8 games to late boys . . . never should have started the season to begin with. Now, the league will have to scurry around to completely rearrange the schedule which means added travel costs to an already set budget.

Let’s hope refunds are in the works for those that are owed money . . . money paid in good faith!

What is also interesting is the team went completely dark on social media? No thank you’s posted, no mention of all the hard work people put in over the years . . . nothing. Just a big . . . Black . . . Hole.

Vancouver had somewhat of a heyday when they were the River City Jaguars and played in Beaverton, Oregon. Never a standout team, but always a fun team to watch play. The move to Vancouver eventually sealed their fate . . . along with some questionable ownership along the way.

We spent the better part of 6 years being their original broadcast team. Good times were had for all during those years. Made some great friendships, many of which continue to this day.

So, now the question becomes: what happens with the NPHL? The season is underway and the schedule is locked in. The promise was made to USA Hockey the league would have 8 teams this year. Tacoma tanked before it got out of the gates and now Vancouver is gone. One team better then last year but still a 6 team league is rather slim.

We wish the players nothing but the best of luck in their pursuit of the greatest game on earth. In the end, this was just another bump in the road . . . one of many you will experience in this thing called . . . LIFE.

We will update here if we get any more (interesting) news.

Don’t forget to check out “The Hockey House” every Sunday night at 7:30pm on khky.radiostream123.com

GAME ON!!!

Now we know this has nothing to do with hockey, but, in the best interest to our resident “Pirate” we felt we had to mention one of his favorite days of the year.

September 19th is the nationally recognized “International Talk Like A Pirate Day”. So get on with the Arrrr’s and Arrrrg’s and belly up to the bar – grab your favorite Grog of choice and let the Swashbuckling begin!!!

“Special” Greg goes under the knife

Wednesday, September 14th @ 1:00.

What’s so “special” about this date and time? Well, our dear friend and follow broadcaster is going under the knife to take care of a pesky Hernia. Now, those of us that know “Special” are well aware of the fact this injury isn’t from his way-ward adventures from around the world. I mean cliff diving in Mexico, alligator wrestling in Florida, arm wrestling an East German woman sitting on a block of cheese that hasn’t touched a razor in 18 years, ELF tossing in the North Pole, Molten Ash skiing on Mt, Unzen in Japan or Belly Flopping into frozen pools in Switzerland. No, this injury appeared one night as he was sitting down to eat a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich . . . and BANG . . . pop goes the weasel.

The man has seen and done it all. Hats off  “Special”. Hope to see you around the corner in a few short days . . .

PS ~ You better find someone else to carry all your crap to and from the broadcast booth . . . Maybe Intern Ryan will offer?

Remember The Day

I’m sure you can all remember where you were and what you were doing this day 10 years ago.

19 hijackers took control of 4 commercials flights – 8:46AM, 9:03AM, 9:37AM, and 10:06AM. Hands on the clock that will forever shape this generation. 2996 people (including the 19 soulless terrorists) died that day in what was the largest and most deadly attack on U.S. soil.

For “Pirate” Steve, he was about start his day teaching stunt drivers from around the world at The International Stunt School when word spread of the disaster that had just occurred. We all have some personal remembrance from September, 11th, 2001. In fact, some of us have a direct connection to the attack.

Whatever you feel or what your memory’s hold, take some time today and look back and what we all have to be thankful for. Another day of life; to spend time with those we love, to chase whatever dreams we have – even if the evade us, at least we got the chance to dream another day.

Life can be tricky and sometimes cruel. But, with each passing day we all get a little stronger and a little wiser. On a clear night we can look up to the stars and see how small we really are. Then we can look to a child and see how big we can really be and how we can change the world in the blink of an eye.

Spend some time and thank those who not only died that day, but, died because of that day. A blink of an eye can last a lifetime . . .

We love to broadcast hockey. We love the game of hockey. But, in the end, it’s just a game. Thankfully we can spend sometime doing what we love – just like the young men playing the game. We all connect with someone somehow. The BS Boyz look forward to connecting with the Victory fan’s this year and look forward to making new friends along the way.

New fighting rule now in place

Hard to say how this rule will affect the way the game is played. Hockey is a game of emotions and sometimes those emotions boil over and gloves are dropped and the “dance” is on. Sometimes a player goes into a fight trying to get his team motivated – to pump the team up. Yes, in the past there were players that held the role of enforcer. Now, that role may still apply, but, the rules of engagement have changed. The big hit that levels a player and another teammate coming in for “payback” will certainly be re-thought now. Big hits will rule the night . . . which might not be a bad thing … maybe . . .

Will this rule help or hurt the way hockey is played? Some people will hate this rule and feel it’s a way of taking some of the “excitement” out of the game. Others will feel as if this is the future of the game since most of the kids playing at this level will move on the some form of college hockey – where fighting is not allowed.

Time will tell how this changes the game we all love to watch – and for some of us “call”. One thing’s for sure – the good ‘ole hockey brawl and odd goalie fights are long gone into the night . . .

:::HERE IS THE RULE:::

The following is a description set forth from USA Hockey on Rule # 613 “Fisticuffs”:

Any player who removes his (or opponents) helmet prior to or during an altercation shall be assessed an automatic Game Ejection / Game Misconduct

This is the spirit or intention of this rule;

•     If a player unsnaps his helmet-automatic misconduct in addition to all other penalties assessed, no exception, rule # 304e. When a player  steps on the ice he is deemed “ready to play”, therefore mouth guard & helmet required, including warm up period.

•     If a player/players remove their or opponents helmet before a fight, Game Misconduct.
•     If a player grabs, pulls or pushes the helmet off during or before a fight, Game Misconduct.

If during the course of the fight a helmet becomes dislodged, this is NOT a penalty, the intent to remove must be there. This will be monitored closely and common sense should play a part in this area…

Important Game Dates

So, the schedule has been released and the Victory starts on the road for their first four games. Game #1 is against the 4 time defending Pacific Division Champions – the Seattle Totems on Thursday, September 29th. The Totems swept last year’s team 3-0 in the first round of the playoffs. Make sure you log onto Fast Hockey to follow your Victory as the take to the road and fire up the 2011/2012 season.

VS

The 2011/2012 home opener will be against The Southern Oregon Spartans at Mt. View Ice Arena on October 14th – game time is 7:00 PM. The Spartans lost to the Seattle Totems 3-0 in the playoff finals last year and like most teams have gone through a bit of a rebuilding phase this year. Join The BS Boyz for all the action – air time is 6:30 PM and the Mayhem Behind The Mic goes live at 6:40 PM.

Go BIG or Go HOME . . . first game of the season is on the road against the best team in NORPAC last year and the first home game of the season against the second best team from last year. This will be a great test for The Victory as the begin their run.

The Victory and The Spartans will take to the ice again on Saturday night, October 15th, for round two at 7:00 PM. Then the expansion team – Glacier Nationals – will roll into Vancouver for a 1:00 PM game on Sunday, October 16th.

There seems to be hockey on the horizon . . . so strap in and hold on tight . . . Victory will be OURS . . .

New Owner Approved By NORPAC

As posted on the Victory website:
As President of the Northern Pacific Hockey League, and on behalf of all it’s team owners, I would like to extend an enthusiastic and warm welcome to Andrew Vilcauskas as the new majority owner of The Vancouver Victory Junior A hockey club, formerly known as The River City Jaguars. Mr. Vilcauskas brings a very high level of professionalism and commitment to both the team and our league that will help ensure each success and longevity. Mr. Vilcauskas has been involved with teaching and coaching youth hockey for decades and his passion for both the sport and it’s players development is unquestionable. He also has achieved tremendous success in business and in his professional career. All of these strengths combined made Mr. Vilcauskas an unequaled candidate and a welcome addition to the NORPAC family. John McBride, NORPAC League Co-Founder, will continue alongside Mr. Vilcauskas as co-owner and will help oversee the teams operations.

We wish The Vancouver Victory the very best success in this 2011-12 season.

-Gord Whitaker

NORPAC Commissioner & President

All Around Update

If you have spent any time on the Victory web site you may have noticed a few graphic changes. The main change will be the new look of the Victory – different from the other new look they had recently. Once everything gets locked in the management of the Victory will be releasing everything all new and improved.

Main camp is just around the corner – August 26th – 28th. The Boyz will be spending a little time at the rink to get a sense of how the team will look and things we can look forward to as the Victory take to the ice for their first (re-named) season.

A few changes we thought we would throw out into the wind since we are in the writing mode. Mike Collins stepped down as G.M. recently. The Boyz had a great time getting to know Mike through-out last season and wish him nothing but the best of luck in whatever the future holds.

A few new additions to the cast and crew of the Victory as well. Dave Petrino has been hired as Director of Scouting; Robin Reese has been hired as Director of Player Development/G.M and Clay Bonds has been hired as Vice President and Director of Operations. Welcome aboard gentlemen!!!

Looks like we will have some exciting news coming very soon in regard to the monthly talk show. Can’t say much right now, but, things are moving in the right direction – well, for The BS Boyz any movement is in the right direction.

Plus, if everything works out and the Boyz actually make onto the air they will be going out on the proverbial limb and making their predictions for the upcoming season. That will be a DO NOT MISS show.

The Cup. No, I mean the actual Cup . . .

Well, I guess if there is passion you will stand in line 2.5 hours to be in the presence of The Holy Grail of rink rats around North America. Special Greg seen in all his glory as he finally accomplishes one of the major “to do’s” on his Bucket List!!! Well done lad!!!

Guess who’s in the house???

Well, the search is finally over and the Vancouver Victory have selected their coaching staff for the 2011/2012 hockey season. The new bench boss is Seattle native John Nogatch and to his right is a local resident and long time BS Boyz favorite . . . Anthony “Libs” Libonati.

Coach Nogatch was born and raised in the Seattle Area playing minor hockey for the Seattle Sno-King organization. Attended the Portland Winterhawks Rookie Camp as a 15 year old before moving to Grand Rapids Michigan to play Midget AAA. Played for the Northern Michigan Black Bears of Northern Ontario Hockey League in 2003-2004 and was named first team all-league (7G – 32A in 44 Games).

Received a scholarship to Lake Superior State University for the 2004-2005 season and played in the teams first 10 games as a true freshman (1G – 3A – 10 Games) before returning to the Northern Michigan Black Bears in order to transfer to Wayne State University.

Played the 2006 – 2007 season at Wayne State University after sitting out the prior season due to transfer rules. Transferred to Becker College and played for Becker during 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. In 2009 was second in the ECAC Northeast in goal scoring for defensemen while only playing in 17 games due to injuries. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Becker College with a degree in marketing. Coached Seattle Junior – Sno-King Combined PeeWee Tier 1 last season.

Asst Coach Libonati was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up playing hockey through the Portland Junior Hawks association.  He has played junior hockey in NORPAC, the NAHL, and the NOJHL, as well as college hockey at the Division 3 level. He has been a personal hockey coach for the past 3 years

Like anything it takes time to put all the proper working pieces together for one united goal. That time has come!!!

Welcome to the Citadel of Chill and The House of VICTORY gentlemen!!!