The Vernon Vipers will be without their top three scorers for the remainder of the B.C. Hockey League season.

With the playoffs a long shot, Vipers’ head coach/GM Jason Williamson put his top talent on the trading block to restock for next season, when Vernon will host the RBC Cup national Junior A tournament.

Leaving the den before Thursday night’s carding deadline were forwards Adam Tambellini (Surrey Eagles), Aaron Hadley (Nanaimo Clippers) and Pearce Eviston (Victoria Grizzlies). All transactions were for future considerations except the Tambellini deal, which will see 1994-born forward Mason Blacklock finish the season in Vernon. Williamson also sent future considerations to Surrey as part of the deal.

A total of 15 deals were made around the league in the days leading up to the deadline, with playoff contenders boosting their lineups. Along with Vernon, the Coquitlam Express were the major sellers, sending Mitch Nardi (93)(F) to the West Kelowna Warriors in exchange for future considerations; Philip Zielonka (93)(F) to the  Chilliwack Chiefs for Garrett Forster (95)(F), Ben Israel (94)(D) and future considerations; and John Siemer (92) (F) to the Penticton Vees for future considerations.

Check out Sunday sports in the Morning Star for an in-depth look at the Vipers’ trades, including coach’s and player reactions.