Rockets goalie joins Vipers

Nov 4, 2019 | 2:53 PM

The Vernon Vipers have added goaltender James Porter from the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets.

The 19-year-old from Bonners Ferry, Idaho has played the last two seasons with the Rockets, posting 30 wins.

“James will come in and help in as a nice tandem with Reilly Herbst,” said Jason McKee, Vipers Head Coach and GM. “He’s a veteran player with a lot of experience.”

Porter will join his new team this week as they prepare for a weekend in Trail.

The Vipers current number one goalie is Reilly Herbst, while Max Palaga is on long-term injured reserve.

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“We feel there’s an opportunity in Vernon for James to get some games in,” said Rockets president and GM Bruce Hamilton. “It’s critical right now as he hasn’t had any playing time here, the most important thing for James is to get him playing.”

The Rockets drafted Porter in the seventh round of 2015 Bantam Draft.

He has suited up in 73 games for Kelowna over the last two seasons, collecting a record of 30-22-7-2 with 3.29 GAA and a .897 SAV percentage.

by Corey Fischer