David Arduin is going from the eye of the Storm to the snake pit.
Fresh off a successful junior B season with the Campbell River Storm, Arduin has signed a letter of intent to play with the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) Vernon Vipers next season.
The Vipers are one of Canada's premier junior A hockey franchises. Vernon won four league titles in the mid-90s and a national championship. They are consistently one of the top teams in the BCHL's Interior Division and look to be a force again next season.
"Vernon's reputation speaks for itself," said Arduin. "I made my decision at the start of June. It was pretty easy. They are a first-class organization. The community is really involved in the team and they had the most scholarships last year out of all the BCHL teams. This is major for me. My goal is to get a scholarship to a NCAA school. I know I have to prove myself, but getting a chance to play in Vernon is a fantastic opportunity."
Arduin, along with four other new player recruits, were flown out to Vernon by the club last week. The players met with the coaching staff, went for dinner and a movie and played a round of golf at Predator Ridge.
The players were also introduced to the local media during a team press conference.
"The two days in Vernon were awesome," Arduin said. "We were treated first class."
Arduin was also impressed with new head coach/GM Troy Mick.
"Troy is very personable and was very easy to talk to," Arduin said. "When [former coach] Mike Vandekamp left, he really didn't pass along a lot of information on me. But Troy said he had talked to other teams and knew a lot about me. I think he has faith in what I can bring to the team."
Mick said he was equally impressed with Arduin.
"Obviously, he's a stand-up individual," Mick said. "He shows tremendous character, both on and off the ice. On the ice, his talent is unbelievable. We have high expectation for David."
Mick said he expects Arduin will play a key role on this year's club.
"We lost our top line from last year, so we expect David to come in and fill a big offensive role," Mick said. "It's a lot to ask of a first-year player, but David is not your typical first-year player. He's played high level hockey and he knows what it takes to win."
As always, Mick said Vernon is looking to contend again this year for the BCHL title.
"We're one program that doesn't rebuild, we reload," Mick added. "Every year the Vipers want to make it their year. This upcoming season is no different. David represents a good crop of young talent we have. We expect big things and a big year."Arduin looks to be busy this summer as he prepares for his first training camp with the Vipers.
Next week he begins an eight-week summer program with conditioning coach Peter Twist. Arduin will train five days a week both on and off the ice in Vancouver.
Training camp starts Aug. 26 in Vernon.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge," Arduin said. "Obviously I need to gain the respect of my teammates and the organization, but I've had to do that my whole playing career, so it's nothing new. The community [Sechelt] has been so supportive. All my family and friends have played a big role in getting me here. Also my coaches Russ McLeod, Mike Yarrow and Bruce Durkin - they've all played a huge role. I want to go to Vernon, work hard and help them win."
