Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Vipers have traded forwards Linden Hora and Tak Anholt to the Chilliwack Chiefs in exchange for highly touted defenceman Darren Rizzolo.
Hora was in his second season with the Vipers while Anholt is set to begin his rookie campaign in the B.C. Hockey League.
Rizzolo is a 17-year-old rookie who played last season at Yale Academy. The product of Mission has secured a scholarship to Northeastern Huskies for the 2017-18 season. He compiled 8-14-22 in 22 games last year.
“He’s a powerplay guy, a smooth, puck-moving d-man,” said Viper head coach/GM Mark Ferner. “He’s an offensive guy who will help us.”
Anholt, 17, rang up 28 goals and 64 points with Yale Academy last year. He’s from North Vancouver.
Hora, 18, produced one goal and four points in 52 games with Vernon his rookie season. He’s a Kelowna product.
Veteran F Blaine Caton, a Vernon product, has also been given his release by the Vipers.
Ferner said the Vipers had options to move Caton, but felt it was in Caton’s best interest to be let go instead. Caton, 18, had 4-4-8 in 48 games last year.
Vernon entertains the Trail Smoke Eaters in their home opener Friday night at Kal Tire Place.
The home opener is sponsored by 1075 Kiss FM with a tailgate party scheduled prior to the game. Pizza courtesy of Papa Murphy’s will be served and the first 1,000 fans through the game will receive a special gift.
