The Vernon Vipers’ interest in the trade deadline may be picking up.
The team has lost forwards Christian Cakebread and captain Riley Brandt.
Cakebread is gone for good, accepting a scholarship to Niagara University, effective immediately.
Brandt is out six weeks with a broken thumb.
Cakebread departs the Vipers having appeared in 35 games this season recording nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points.
The product of Gilbert, AZ is just the second Viper in recent memory to leave the club for school at the mid-way point of the season.
Goaltender Bryce Christensen became a member of the University of Alaska Fairbanks partway through the 06-07 season.
Head coach Mark Ferner understands the move but admits it’s going to be a tough spot to fill.
“Anytime you lose a player of Christian’s calibre at this point of the season it is going to be a really tough situation,” said Ferner. “You can’t blame him for taking this opportunity that was presented to him, and we have never been an organization that holds players back.
“The Vernon Vipers have always been about moving kids on to the next level and giving them the best opportunity. We wish him the best of the luck for the rest of the season and going forward.”
Cakebread is expected to make his Purple Eagles debut against Holy Cross on Friday.
Brandt has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 28 games played.
The Vipers earlier released forward Nic Rasovic.
The league’s trade deadline is Jan. 10.