Vipers begin inaugural season Friday vs. Fort Wayne
Published on October 18, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Roanoke Valley Vipers News Release
ROANOKE, VA - The Roanoke Valley Vipers, member of the United Hockey League (UHL), begin their inaugural season in Roanoke, Virginia on Friday, October 21st, as they prepare to take on the Fort Wayne Komets.
The Vipers will open up the season with a Friday-Saturday matchup against the Komets at the Roanoke Civic Center, which has been without hockey for nearly two years. The relocated organization has a lot to offer the fans of the Valley and a lot to bring to the table as it faces such division rivals as the Richmond RiverDogs and Danbury Trashers.
Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, Jim Wiley has put a young, but strong team together in just over a month since his hire in mid-September. Since then, the Vipers have also announced the return of fan-favorites Daniel Berthiaume as the team's assistant coach, and D-man Travis Smith. Joining these familiar faces are several which are not-so-familiar including Steve Crusco, who scored three goals over the weekend for the Vipers in exhibition play, Dave Shillington, who led the Vipers in preseason scoring with four points (1 G, 3 A) over two games, and rookie goaltender Shawn Conschafter, who allowed just three goals in just under 60 minutes in front of the net during exhibition, also recording 25 saves.
The Vipers also announced several roster changes, including the release of the following players from their training camp roster: Defensemen Jesse Baraniuk, Tim Schneider; Forwards, Pat Doherty, Tom Stone, Paul Benes; Goalie Aaron McKenzie. The Vipers currently have 21 players on their roster, and must be down to 19 (17 position players plus two goalies) before Opening Night.
The Vipers along with their exhibition opponents, the Richmond RiverDogs, put up a total of 18 goals and 329 penalty minutes on Friday and Saturday, but fell to the âDogs both nights by scores of 6-4 and 5-3. They look to build upon their seven goals over two games, five of which were even strength, as the Fort Wayne Komets come to town on Friday.
Call the Vipers office today at (540) 345-PUCK (7825) to get your tickets for Opening Weekend! Also be sure to listen to the Vipers broadcasts on 3WR/Fox Sports Radio, which can be accessed via the internet at www.valleyvipershockey.com or heard on 910AM in Roanoke or 990AM in the New River Valley.
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