Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Vipers have added a strong two-way forward to their B.C. Hockey League roster.
Niko Karamanis, a 17-year-old centre, has committed to the Vipers for next season.
“He is truly a character kid and exactly the type of player we want to add to our program,” said Viper head coach/GM Mark Ferner, who scouted Karamanis at the recent U.S. Toyota Youth Tier 1 U18 Nationals in San Jose.
“A true 200-foot player that should be able to play in any situation for us and makes everyone around him better. We are very excited to have him as part of our program.”
The product of Courtenay just finished his fifth season at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota, suiting up for the school’s Midget Prep team.
Karamanis amassed 18 goals and 40 assists in 47 games.
“They were upset by Oakland in the semis; the Oakland goalie beat them,” said Ferner. “I thought they were the best team there.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite recorded a 3-0 win over the Culver Academy Eagles in the tournament final.
Ferner met Karamanis’ parents and was impressed with how the youngster handled himself on and off the ice.
“He comes from a great family. His coach, Tom Ward, says he’s a kid you can put in any situation. He plays the point on the powerplay, he takes key face-offs and he blocks shots.
He’s real intelligent. If you have a line that’s struggling, you stick him on there to get them going. He kind of reminds me of (former Viper star) Kyle Murphy and he may be a better player.”
The Vipers just completed its 2016 spring camp and expect 50 players from the camp to be invited to main camp in August.
Meanwhile, the BCHL champion West Kelowna Warriors open the Crescent Point Western Canada Junior A Hockey League Championships Saturday night against the host Estevan Bruins.
The Warriors won their first Fred Page Cup by taking out the Chilliwack Chiefs in six games.
West Kelowna faces the Alberta champion Brooks Bandits (with ex-Viper Logan Mick) in a Sunday matinee.
The top two finishers advance to the 46th Royal Bank Cup, May 14-22, in Lloydminster, Alta./Sask.
