The Vernon Vipers have added two players to their defence corps, while sending a forward to Alberta and signing another from the Western Hockey League (WHL).
On Wednesday the Vipers announced the signing of defenceman Sam Ward, an addition that adds some veteran experience to a blueline that recently lost Lukas McCloskey and Keaton Dowhaniuk, who have chosen to return to the WHL. Then on Thursday morning the team announced a trade with the Sherwood Park Crusaders, sending out forward Carson McGinley in exchange for defenceman Jordan Gudridge.
Ward, a 19-year-old Kamloops native, has more than 100 games of junior experience and spent the last three seasons in the WHL. He played 28 games with the Swift Current Broncos last season and had five assists before being moved to the Wenatchee Wild, where he had three goals and five assists in 27 games to finish the season.
“After losing two veteran defencemen, we needed a strong replacement, and we are very fortunate to bring in Sam,” said Vipers Head Coach Lukas Lomicky. “He has the experience we need and will provide a solid 200-foot presence on the back end to support us in all situations.”
Standing five-foot-nine and weighing 174 pounds, the left-shot defenceman is known for his versatility.
“I’m excited to come to Vernon and play for the Vipers,” said Ward. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the city and the organization, and I can’t wait to get going.”
Lomicky also expressed excitement about the addition of Gudridge and his potential impact on the Vipers' defensive unit.
“After bringing in Sam Ward, we were still looking to acquire a right-handed defenceman, and Jordan was a good solution for our situation. He is an experienced, puck-moving defenceman and will help us solidify our back end moving forward,” said Lomicky.
A native of Greenwood Village, Colo., Gudridge has recorded six points in 15 games with the Crusaders this season. Over the last two seasons, he has honed his skills with Madison of the United States Hockey League and Colorado of the North American Hockey League.
Gudridge got a taste of the atmosphere at Kal Tire Place very recently, as he was in the lineup when the Crusaders played the Vipers at the Vernon rink on Saturday, a 4-3 win for his now former team.
“I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Vipers organization,” said Gudridge. “I can’t wait to get to work and play in front of the fantastic fans again on Friday.”
The Vipers organization thanked McGinley for his contributions to the team and wished him well in Sherwood Park.
The team may have felt more comfortable trading McGinley after the signing another forward, 17-year-old Corban Almen, on Tuesday.
“Corban is a promising young player who has already gained valuable experience with over 60 junior games under his belt,” said Lomicky. “He is a skilled, competitive player with impressive offensive abilities, and we’re thrilled to add him to our lineup.”
The Saskatoon native spent last season and the beginning of this season with the Regina Pats of the WHL. In 67 games with the Pats, he amassed 19 points.
The Vipers are back in action Friday, Nov. 15, when the Okotoks Oilers visit Kal Tire Place. Puck drops at 7 p.m. It's the team's lone game of the weekend.
