2 Down 1 to Go!
Written by Rob Abramenko Tuesday, 27 April 2010 05:40
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." ~ Mike Ditka. Well that maybe true but I also know from personal experience that sometimes having the support of friends, family and a community can drive an athelete to play a little harder, and a little longer in the big game. This blog dedicated to the Vernon Vipers run at a 6th National Championship.
2 DOWN 1 TO GO! - In the mix for six....lets GO Vipers!
The Vernon Vipers have had another incredible season, almost a record setting season...and when it seems like it could end...it doesn't. How spoiled are we to have a team as good as the Vipers. Not many people realize that many junior A teams have been around for 30 plus years and have never had the chance to even get to the national stage never mind win 5 times in the last 20 years. Last years was a record setting RBC, no other team in junior A hockey history has ever won 5 National titles, and like this years slogan suggests, Vernon is in the mix for six. So a tip of the hat, first to owner Dr. Duncan Wray who in his own words just makes sure all the right pieces are in place, from the coaching staff right down to how the players are treated here. As he told me once this year at practice; 'Our players are our best recruiting tool". If they are happy, they tell others about the program...and oh if you are a winner...that sort of helps as well. Mark Ferner and Jason Williamson should also be recognized for putting together another great team. Both are incredible coaches who seem to know how to get the most out of the players. And the players! So many great guys on the team...and so many leaving after this year, its sort of hard to see them go. Working with the team...I have to say..its been a great group to be involved with.
So with a Fred Page Cup (league championship) and a Doyle Cup (B.C.-Alberta championship), the Snakes are looking for another Royal Bank Cup. When I called the 1999 Championship in Yorkton, one thing I rememer was all the faxes that were sent thru the station. The players enjoyed reading the comments that we had posted outside the dressing roo. So, as the official voice of the Vernon Vipers we want to send them off with a special Poster Card with your messages. So if you would like to send your well wishes to Dauphin Manitoba.
EMAIL YOUR NAME AND MESSAGE HERE
VERNON VIPERS VIDEO - my favourite vipers video of the year.
My buddy and I have had the pleasure over the last three years of doing up the Vernon Vipers online videos, from player profiles to hilight videos to fun features like our Valentines day and Christmas Specials. The players and coaches have always been game to give us a hand. We have had a lot of success over the years with some of the videos even going viral. So I would like to post two of my favourites. The first one is highlights of last years RBC, the second video is one we used to kick off this years playoff run. Enjoy!
SCHEDULE: KISS FM will be broadcasting all of the games as well as online.
Vernon's schedule for the round-robin portion of the 2010 RBC Cup:
Saturday, May 1st -- Vernon Vipers @ Dauphin Kings -- 5:00 PM Pacific
Sunday, May 2nd -- La Ronge Ice Wolves @ Vernon Vipers -- 5:00 PM Pacific
Tuesday, May 4th -- Oakville Blades @ Vernon Vipers -- 12:00 PM Pacific
Wednesday, May 5th -- Vernon Vipers @ Brockville Braves -- 12:00 PM Pacific
The tournament semi-finals will be held at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 8th, while the National Championship game is slated for Sunday, May 9th.
So we are going to wrap up the blog...with this message to the Vipers. Win or lose, it doesn't really matter....thanks for another great year and even more hockey memories. We have to be some of the luckiest fans in the world thanks to you guys. So go have fun, enjoy the moment and do Vernon proud!
