Vipers add Morgan from BCHL

by Evan Mathias

 

A similar scenario from last year seems to be playing out this season for the LaSalle Vipers.

Early into the season last year, the Vipers had captain Dylan Denomme return to their roster following a short stint playing in the British Columbia Hockey League for the Nanaimo Clippers.

This season the Vipers have another familiar face returning to their roster. Forward Korey Morgan returned from the Clippers where he spent the duration of last season. In 57 games with Nanaimo, Morgan posted 27 points.

“It feels great (to be back), it’s a great organization,” said Morgan. “It’s always a lot of fun playing in front of that many people… the fans are always great so its always fun.”

Morgan returns to LaSalle as a well-known offensive weapon. During the 2012-2013 season, he amassed 30 goals and 60 points, second only to his line mate Denomme with 76 points.

“It wasn’t too hard to get points with him,” said Morgan.

This season Morgan opened the Vipers’ campaign on a line with rookie Brett Primeau and sophomore Dan Beaudoin.

“Playing with Beaudoin, he’s a good player, he works really hard,” said Morgan. “(Primeau) is a really good player as well, he sees the ice well. Hopefully we stick together and see what happens.”

Morgan is already making an impact with the Vipers. His line had a successful start in their regular season opener at home against the London Nationals Sept. 10. The trio combined for five points including the 20-year-old’s first goal of the season, on route to a 7-4 win over the Nationals.

“It always feels good to get one under your belt right away, it gives you a little confidence, gets the ball rolling a little bit,” said Morgan.

Vipers head coach Bill Bowler knows the value anytime an older player returns to the lineup. He was LaSalle’s head coach last season when Denomme’s return paid dividends for the club. He said he knows Morgan’s return can’t be undervalued.

“Its’ huge, Korey is a great kid and a great leader, obviously his on-ice ability speaks for itself,” said Bowler. “Anytime you can add a player from our neighbourhood back to the squad its huge and we’re going to rely on Korey heavily.”

Outside of scoring goals, Morgan said he is willing to do whatever the team needs him to do.

“If I have to try to score goals I’ll score goals, if I have to kill penalties, I’ll do whatever it takes the team to win,” said Morgan. “Anything it takes to help the team really.”