Colton Sparrow and Liam Coughlin can now solely concentrate on the BCHL playoffs after both committed to NCAA Division 1 programs for next season.
Sparrow has committed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Coughlin has committed to Boston University.
Sparrow, a Vernon native, is in his fourth season as a member of the Vipers. He has been an integral part of this year’s playoff success. The Vernon product has worked extremely hard to achieve his long term goal of playing NCAA hockey.
“He has worked extremely hard for this and he will be a terrific college player” said Viper’s head coach GM Jason Williamson.
Sparrow will be reuniting with former Viper Marcus Basara in Fairbanks.
“I have heard a lot of good things about the program. It is also going to be nice already knowing someone there,” Sparrow said.
Coughlin, a South Boston native has always dreamed of playing for Boston University. He will add to the list of several Vipers who have moved on to play at this elite school.
“He was extremely focused on achieving his goal of playing at BU. We are extremely excited that our program and league was able to help him achieve this,” said Williamson.
The Vipers, meanwhile, were scoreboard watching Thursday.
A Coquitlam Express win in Victoria would eliminate the Grizzlies from the semi-final round-robin, and would mean the Vipers would have home ice advantage in the Fred Page Cup championship against the Express, with game one going Friday, April 11.
Coquitlam beat visiting Victoria 6-3 Tuesday, leaving the Express at 1-1 in the round-robin. Victoria is 0-2, Vernon 2-0.
A Coquitlam win Thursday would mean Saturday’s scheduled game at Kal Tire Place would not be played. There will be a game Saturday if Victoria won Thursday night. Check www.vernonmorningstar.com for an update.
