Vernon Vipers Trade Veteran Defensman Michael Statchuk to Battlefords

(Courtesy of Brian's Banter)

After playing the last two seasons far from home, 20-year-old Michael
Statchuk returns to his notive province after the Vernon Vipers traded him Monday to the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Statchuk, who put up outstanding offensive numbers in his final season of midget hockey with the Prince Albert Mintos, never became a major point-producer at the junior A level with the Vipers. He was solid in Vernon though, playing in 114 BCHL regular season games and 19 playoff games.

Including returning, recruited, and acquired players, the Vipers were one over the BCHL roster limit of six 1994-born players, which meant changes had to be made. The 20-year-olds remaining on Vernon's roster include goaltender Danny Todosychuk, defenseman Riley Guenther, and forwards Liam Coughlin and TJ Dumonceaux as returnees, recently acquired forward Anthony Latina, and Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League recruit Kyle Tanev.