Vandervlis gives solid Vipers lineup a valuable boost

Yes, the Vipers got things going in a big way by claiming 13 wins in from Halloween through December. Morrical pinpoints a 2-0 loss to league-leading Okotoks as an early season turning point for his club.

“The next night we lost to them again in overtime. I thought we had about three really good chances to win that game in overtime and in the last minute (of regulation) and I think that (we) realized we’re a pretty good team. That’s when I noticed them and felt like we’re actually good.”

Morrical feels having a younger roster than in previous years has been a good thing for his club.

“It’s a good mix. Last year we were really old with a lot of 20-year-olds whereas this year we have a lot of 18-and-19-year-olds. And we were able to get a few Midget AAA players this year, which was a huge boost for our program. We usually seem to only get one a year, this year we have three.”

A balanced scoring attack featuring 13 players with 10 or more points has been key for the Vipers, Morrical believes. Mark Differenz, Brody Kalinowski and Keaton Sawicki each have over 30 points.

“That’s kind of the way I like it. I like to have three lines that can all score and produce. And our defence this year has been phenomenal – I would say the biggest strength of our team this year is our defence. We have seven very solid defencemen that are always fighting to get in the lineup, and they produce a lot of offence, too.”

Already poised for a solid second half, the Vipers received a big boost to their lineup with the recent addition of Ryan Vandervlis.

The 20-year-old Red Deer native spent four years in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and is ready to play again after being severely injured in a campfire accident during this past summer.

Morrical is definitely excited to have Vandervlis on board.

“He phoned me and we got to talking. We met with him a couple times and just wanted to see where he’s at. He’s in good health considering (what he went through). He’s got a really good attitude.

“He just wants to play some games and for him to choose to play here instead of going anywhere in Junior A was a big boost for our whole program.”

Morrical says Vandervlis has his eye on playing university hockey next season and feels he’s joining the Vipers for all the right reasons.

“He’s coming back to get better. He’s coming back to get in shape, not just to have fun with his friends, and he’s come here to win.

“We’ve really put a lot of work in for the last five years, and to get a guy like that to finish the season off is massive for us. It really makes us feel good about what we’ve been doing here. The players will benefit a lot from how he handles the dressing room, how he handles practice – he’s got a very professional attitude about him.”

Morrical added, “The guys are going to benefit a lot from his knowledge of the game, and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot, too.”

The Vipers return to action Saturday, Jan. 5 at the Servus Arena versus Stettler (8 p.m.).

by Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Vandervlis gives solid Vipers lineup a valuable boost

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