Vipers Acquire Local Product

Vernon Vipers have made a one for one swap with the West Kelowna Warriors, acquiring forward Matt Kowalski for defenceman Austin Chorney.

“Kowalski, a 19 year old Vernon product, comes home after a solid start offensively with the Warriors, tallying 5 goals and 8 assists in 19 games. He had an injury plagued 2017-18 season, albeit a productive one with 7 goals and 7 assists in just 24 games,” says a Vipers news release.

“It’s never easy to make a trade, but an opportunity to acquire a talent player who comes from Vernon came up and his skill set will fit in nicely with this group.” says head Vipers coach and GM Mark Ferner.

Kowalski started his BCHL career in 2015-16 in Nanaimo with the Clippers.

In trading Chorney, Mark Ferner says, “Austin was great for us. Did everything we asked of him and did it very well. We feel this will be a good fit not only for each team, but for the individual players as well.”

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Chorney, an Abbotsford BC native, had a goal and two assists with the Vipers this season, and has a commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

“By acquiring Austin Chorney, we believe our defence core is now more well-rounded and we as a team are better prepared to win in the playoffs,” says Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Geoff Grimwood, “Austin is a player our staff has been keen on for quite a while and we are excited to be able to acquire a player of his caliber.”

Kowalski is expected to make his debut this week.

The Vipers visit the Trail Smoke Eaters Wednesday night, a game you can hear on Beach Radio at 6:45 pm.