Two Vipers return from OHL camp

 

by Evan Mathias

The LaSalle Vipers got back two familiar faces in their lineup Wednesday night when they took on the St. Thomas Stars at the Vollmer Recreational Complex.

Defenceman Zach Percy and forward Blake Jones were reunited with the team after being away at OHL camp’s for several weeks.

Percy had been attending Windsor Spitfires training camp and Jones was at training camp with the Erie Otters.

“Bob Jones, the defensive coach (for the Spits), really helped me out with little things, making sure your gaps are tight on guys coming down on you, moving your feet and moving the puck up ice when you have to,” said Percy. “There are a lot of little things that I’m going to take to my game here.”

Percy is the oldest defenceman on the Vipers roster and head coach Bill Bowler said he’s happy to have him back.

“He has OHL experience, he’s a big body back there and is very mobile, he brings back a steady presence back there,” said Bowler. “He brings leadership but he’s a good hockey player more importantly.”

In his first game back as a Viper this season, Percy picked up an assist on the team’s second goal of the night and played a large amount of minutes in all situations.

“Playing in the OHL, it’s a lot faster, it’s harder but easier at the same time because guys are always where they are supposed to be,” said Percy “Obviously it’s a different game up there but I’m glad to be back and looking forward to the season.”

Blake Jones said he had similar thoughts about his time at OHL camp with the Otters.

“I played good (in Erie), got in a couple games, got a couple points up there and coming back here I’m excited to start the year off with LaSalle,” said Jones.

As an older player on the Vipers Jones will be expected to produce offensively, according to Bowler, but also be a leader to younger players.

Jones said he feels he can do both of those things.

“Hopefully since I’m an older guy on this team I can bring some leadership,” said Jones. “Hopefully if I can get going and get some chemistry with my line mates. I’ll hopefully get some points here and there.”

With the 3-2 win against the Stars, the Vipers have won five straight games to start their season. The return of Percy and Jones will bolster a lineup that has already been playing well despite being a young team.

“Anytime you can win it’s a good thing,” said Bowler. “There is still a ton of room for improvement but there will be games we lose that we can be negative, right now the guys can enjoy another win.”