Players Profile

	Adam Gialet # 91 Minor Hockey Adam played his minor hockey in Morinville from Novice to Midget. He then continued his climb in the hockey ranks with the Fort Saskatchewan Midget AAA. From there he proceeded to play Junior A in Fort Mac and Drumheller. His stay in Fort Mac was marked with a league Championship. Senior Hockey with Vipers of the NCHL Adam joined the Vipers for the 2009-10 season and we are very please to have him on the team. No doubt, Adam will be an strong asset for the Vipers this year and we wish him a good season. Presently, Adam is working part time and completing his studies at Nait. Best of luck in all your endeavours Adam.
	Barret Dupuis # 11 Barrett as been with us for a few years and again this year he is having a good season to date. Barrett is a local product having played all his minor hockey in Morinville. He is a very versatile player capable of playing on defence and on the forward lines. It seems that we will see him a lot playing as a forward this year. In the 2003 season, Barrett won the top defencement award for his team and the following year, in 2004, he was awarded the M.V.P. award. Barrett is married to Kelly whom he considers to be the greatest.
	Cody Miller # 8 Position: Forward
	Laine Allen # 10 Minor Hockey Laine played all his minor hockey up to Bantam in Linaria and Westlock. -Spruce Grove -Bantam AAA -St Albert Midget AAA Senior Hockey Joined the Legal Vipers 2009-10 Position: Forward
	Scott Reid # 17 Minor Hockey Scott started his hockey career as a Novice with the Hotdogs in Sexmith. He played Pee Wee in Lacrete and High Level. His first year Bantam was in Manning then played Bantam AAA and Midget AAA in Grande Prairie. Junior B Hockey Scott played Junior B hockey with the Edmonton Royals Awards Scott won numerous awards during his hockey career: Mr. Hustle, MVPs and shoot out competition Awards. Senior Hockey 2009-10 Scott joined the Legal Vipers.
	Rod Kaliel # 77 Minor Hockey: Played in Fawcett, Linaria and Westlock. 1994-1998 Junior 'B' Morinville Jets Senior Hockey: 1998-2006 Westlock Wolfpacks. Won Provincials in 2000 Legal Vipers of the NCHL 2006-2010 Legal Vipers. Position: Defence
	Tom Soetaert #21 Minor Hockey Senior Hockey Legal Vipers of the NCHL. -First season 2009-10 Position: Forward
	Jeff Neustaeter #15 Minor Hockey: Jeff played all his M.H. in La Crete Junior Hockey Dawson Creek B.C. -First year Juniors Dauphin Manitoba -Two years Junior A Scott greatest hockey moment occurred when his team won the "Challenge Cup" in 2009. His greatest inspiration: His wife Savanna Senior Hockey: Joined the Vipers 2009-2010
	André deChamplain#9 Minor Hockey André played his minor hockey in Legal and Westlock-won three league championships. Played one year with the Morinville Jets, & two years with the Jr B Didsbury Colts where he was awarded the Most Heart Trophy twice. Senior Hockey Three years of Beer League hockey in Legal Vipers HCHL Vipers 2006-07 Recipient of "Player with the most heart" award Vipers 2007-08 4thin league scoring race. André is now starting his fourth year as a Viper.Position: Center
	Paul deChamplain#7 Minor hockey Beginners to Peewee in Legal. Transfered to Westlock in 2ndyear played PeeWee to Bantam level there. Won three league and provincial championships. Played one year with the spruce Grove Midget and St Albert Midget 'AAA'. In 1995/96 played with the Fort Sask.Traders. 1996 to 1999 -Vegreville Rangers. MVP for the league in 1996-97. Senior Hockey Five years with the Westlock Wolf Packs. Won Provincials once in Westlock. Vipers of the NCHL 2006-08 Legal Vipers. Received the Viper of the year award in 1st year. Starting forth season. Position: Forward
	Tyler Day # 35 Minor Hockey Played his M.H. in the Strathcona System. In Pee Wee he was part of a League Championship team. Tyler played Triple A hockey and triple A baseball. Senior Hockey 2008-09 -Joined the Legal Vipers 2009-10 -Starting his second season with the Vipers. Position: Goalie
	Chris Gauthier# 1 Minor Hockey Chris played his minor hockey in Prince George B.C. Played four years in the K.I.J.H.L.(Teams='Revelstoke Grizzlies', 'Beaver Valley NightHawks' and 'Sicamoose Eagles').The last year with Sicamouse Eagles, the team hosted the Western Canadian finals for Jr. "B" championship. Two times 1st all star Team in K.I.J.H.L. -Top goal tender for the south 1 year -Top goal tender for the North 1 year. Senior Hockey Played for the Westlock Wolf Packs. Won provincial on first year in Westlock. Legal Vipers of the NCHL. 2006-08 Legal Vipers. Won the award for the top goalie in the league 2007-08. Now starting his forth season with the Vipers. Position: Goalie
	Chris Page #14 Minor Hockey Played his minor hochey in Drummondville P.Q. and Montreal P.Q. Played for the University of Vermount - NCAA One year with the Drakkars of Baie Como - QMJHL Captain of the team. University of Concordia - CIS Men's Athlete of the year 2002-03 Played in the Quebec Junior Major Hockey League while attending University. Senior Hockey Two years in The Central Hockey League with the Tulsa Oilers. Played With the Toledo Storms of the ECHL Legal Vipers of the NCHL 2007-08 Legal Vipers. Won the M.V.P. award for the team and the league. 2008-09 -won the MVP and top scorer awards. 2009-10 Starting his third season as a Viper. Position: Forward
	Matt Kuzio # 24 Minor Hockey Played his minor hockey in Morinville. Played single seasons with the Morinville Jets, the Drumheller Dragon Jr. 'A', and the Raider AAA Midgets in St Albert. Senior Hockey One year with the Neepawa Natives Jr. 'A' of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and Spruce Grove. Legal Vipers of the NCHL 2007-2008 Legal Vipers. 2008 - 2010 Legal Vipers of the NCHL. Position: Defence
	Alan Maclaren # 18 Minor Hockey Novice to Bantam in Sooke B.C.;Pee Wee and Bantam in Wainwright Ab. PeeWee silver medalist; Midget to juniors in Morinville. Midget 'AA" Silver medalist Senior Hockey Men's Hockey in Morinville Legal Vipers of the NCHL Starting his forth season with the Legal Vipers .
	Shaun Maslyk #12 Minor Hockey Shaun played all his Minor Hockey in Morinville. -At the Midget level he was part of two championship teams. Junior Hockey Shaun played for the Morinville Junior "B" Jet for four season and during that time earned the top point award three times and the M.V.P. award twice. Senior Hockey Joind the Legal Vipers the 2009-10 season
	Geoff Puchala # 17 Minor Hockey Novice to Midgets Morinville Minor Hockey System Junior "C" Morinville Super "C"s. One year. Won League. Junior B Morinville Jets. One year. Junior B Saddle Lake Warriors. One year. Senior Hockey Played Beer League Hockey prior to joining the Vipers. 2008-2009 First season with Vipers. 2009-10 Starting his second year with the Vipêrs Position :Forward Defence
	Lindsay Mohr # 4 Minor Hockey -Novice to Midget in Fort Saskatchewan. Senior Hockey One year in Stony Plain. One year in Fort Saskatchewan. One year in Bellingham Washington, Senior'AAA' Legal Vipers of the NCHL. 2006-08 Vipers. 2009 -10 Starting his third year as a Viper. Position:Defence Defence.
	André Létourneau # 55 Minor Hockey Novice to Bantam Legal -Won league championship with Bantam Won top scorer in all of these levels along with M.V.P award for each of those years. At the Midget level went to provincial finals -lost in O.T. Played for the Morinville Midget"AA" -Participated in the all-star game. Won the accuracy contest at skills' competition. Played Junior "A" (short stint)for St Albert Saints and the Brooks Bandit the following year. Senior Hockey Legal and Vimy Senior Hockey. Vimy Rockets and Legal Diggers. Legal Vipers of the NCHL 2006-07 Position Center. Top scorer of the team 2007 to 2009 Legal Viper. Starting his fourth season. position: Right wing
	josh Kaliel # 2 Minor Hockey Senior Hockey The Legal Vipers of the NCHL 2009-10 Joined the Legal Vipers. Position: Defence.
	Kyle Laturnus Minor Hockey Played his Minor hockey in Wilkie Saskatchewan from Pee Wee to Midget Lazers AA . Senior Hockey Two years with the Wilkie Outlaws Legal Vipers of the NCHL Signed with the Vipers in 2008-09 2009 - 2010 Legal Vipers. Position: Goalie
	Mark Nysetvold # 27 Minor Hockey Minor hockey in Morinville up to Midgets Midgets 'AAA' -Fort Saskachewan. Participated in the Royal Bank Cup with the Kindersley Clippers. Finished second. Senior Hockey 1 1/2 years in Canmore Eagles. Legal Vipers of the NCHL Sign with the Legal Vipers in mid-season 2007-08. 2008 -2010 Legal Vipers Position: Forward
	Ron Soetaert# 5 Minor Hockey . Junior hockey Legal Vipers of the NCHL @009-10 -Ron joined the Legal Vipers.
	Joe Peters # 3 Minor Hockey Joe played his M.H. from Tom Thumb to Midget in La Crete Junior hockey Senior Hockey Played for two years with the Dawson Creek Canucks Best accomplishment: Wining the Challenge Cup!! Biggest inspiration: His Wife Favourite team: The Vancouver Canucks Joined the Legal Vipers 2009-2010

Players Biography

Doug Barich:

I had the pleasure last night(2007) of travelling with the "boys on the bus" to Fox Creek, for the Vipers' hockey game over there. On the way, I chatted with Doug Barich and a few other Vipers and I am please to share bits and pieces of our conversations with you today, with the intent of getting you, the fans, to better know your Viper hockey players.

The name Barich is not new in the Legal Hockey scene. If you go back down memory lane, you may recall the name of Darrell Barich. He was a star goal tender for the Legal Barons in the late 70's and early 80's. Well Doug is Darrell's son and he is now staring with the Legal Vipers. In fact he is second overall in the scoring race, three points behind Chris Page who also stars with the Vipers. Doug played all his minor hockey in Edmonton, and like most young Canadians, he played through the various levels of hockey during his younger years to eventually end up with the Vipers in Legal this year. Needless to say that Doug is an invaluable asset to the Vipers and their fans. His ability on the ice is surpassed only by his leadership qualities, on and off the ice. Doug leads by example but is quite capable of voicing his concerns in the dressing room when the situation requires him to do so. He is jovial and highly respected by his co-players.

Oh!! I have one minor concern. Doug is not a Montreal Canadian fan. Nevertheless he rates very highly in my books even if cheering for Montreal doesn't come naturally to him.

Written by R.T.

Chris Gauthier:

Chris is a Friendly Giant, giant in stature, and giant in the net. The Vipers are glad to have him in front of their net, as he seems to keep the opposition at bay. How frustrating it must be for those players who repeatedly are robbed of a few goals game after game as Chris makes it look so o o o o easy. His agility, speed, fast glove-hand and is near perfect control of angles places him among the top goaltenders in the league if not the best. Whether close in on the net or blasting a slap shot from the point, the opposition's chances are not good. Most of the time, Chris will come up with a spectacular save.

Chris is a leader by example whose performance on ice speaks for him. He is a relatively quiet man in the dressing room, preferring to concentrate on the game at hand over chit chatting but this does not mean he is no fun to be with. Quite contrarily!

Chris now resides in Legal but played his minor hockey in Sycamus B.C. Having spent some of his younger years in Twatenaw with his grand mother, he later came back in the area to play with the Westlock Wolf Packs. On his first year back, his team went to Provincial, and actually won at that level. Chris is a very competitive player taking his game very seriously and doing what must be done in order to excel at his position, even if this means playing hockey all summer. Chris is sometimes hard on himself, expecting the most from his performance on ice. He is the type of individual who will dress up even when sick, not to let his team-mates down, and still do very well. He is an asset to the team, largely responsible for the team's successes of late. Success engenders success! How true that is! Thanks Chris, from your many fans.

Written by R.T.

Chris Page:

The Vipers are a lot better team this year, and Chris, not to take anything away from the other players, is certainly one of the reasons for this major improvement. Chris was born and grew up in Drummonville, Quebec and played his minor hockey in Montreal. It is interesting to note that Chris played hockey with the likes of Mike Ribeiro, Martin St Louis and Roberto Luongo, on his way to The Central Hockey League`s Tulsa Oilers where in played for two years. Prior to this, Chris attended the University of Concordia, got his degree in Education and played in the Quebec Junior Major Hockey League. In June of 2006 he moved to Legal and taught school in Edmonton. He is presently teaching at Ecole Citadelle in Legal and is enjoying his new position fully.

Chris joined the Vipers this year. His great love for the game, would like to see him play more than one game a week, but since this is not possible he makes the best of the weekly game scheduled for the Vipers. He has very good hands and knows how to put the puck in the net. His burst of speed and his many moves help him to work his way to the net and be in a position to score or make a precise pass to a player who may be in a better position. Sometimes it seems like Chris is performing magic on the ice, which explains why he is presently the top scorer in the league a few points ahead of his line mate Doug Barich. Keep it up Chris!

Written by R.T.

The Vipers, this year, have shown a much higher level of performance as compared to last season. This is largely the result of a stronger defensive core, which ranks among the best in the league. The veteran Rod Kaliel, who played strong defensive hockey for us last year is back with us but unfortunately a severe head injury at the beginning of the season forced him out of the line-up since. He is expected to come back in January of this year and that is excellent news for the Vipers. Rod is a solid 'stay at home' defence man and his return will have a very beneficial impact on the team. The opposing players will soon find out that it isn't easy to go around Rod. We wish him the best for the remainder of the season. The Vipers defence this year includes many new faces and my next few articles will centre on the Legal Viper defensive core. Here are the D-men.

Alan Maclaren:

Al is new to the Vipers this year and has proven to be a solid man on the 'D' line. Injury forced him out of the line-up for a while at the beginning of the season but he is now back at full strength. Al is not afraid to play rugged hockey. He is a clean player and he can throw a good solid clean check when necessary. He is also the type of player who will not hesitate to stand up for his teammates if they get pushed around by the opposition. The Vipers are proud to have him in the line-up. Al started playing his minor hockey in Victoria B.C. as a novice then moved to Wainwright where he played Peewee and Bantam to eventually end up in Morinville where he played Midget. He met the Borduzak boys in Morinville and he is pleased to be playing with them again with the Vipers. Al is not unfamiliar to winning; his Bantam team was crowned with Gold and Silver medals, and his Midget team won two Silver medals. He now hopes that his Vipers team will come up with another medal this year. Well Al, we sure hope so too!!

Al attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and earned a Diploma in 'Instrumentation' from that institution. He is presently working for an engineering firm and resides in Morinville. Al enjoys his work and enjoys playing hockey.

The big news with Al right now is that he will be marrying his sweet heart, Tamara, in the spring. The couple is planning a May wedding as soon as the flowers are out and the trees are wearing their summer colours. Al & Tamara, the Vipers wish you both the best in everything.

Written by R.T.

André & Paul De Champlain:

I've decided to combine these two because they have so much in common. What is said about one applies to the other as well. No, they are not twins, but they do have the same parents therefore sharing the same genes. Paul was born first and André followed a few years later. I have now seen three generations of 'de Champlains' and I am inclined to believe that every child born in this family is handed a hockey stick at birth. It seems like the words 'Hockey' and 'de Champlain' have become synonyms.

Paul & André have plenty in common but they each have their own individuality. Paul is married and André is not. Paul is the proud father of three children including a set of twins (a boy and a girl) and André, may be considering fatherhood but only in the future. Paul is farming with his dad (Ray) and André is working in a bank. And the list goes on.

However when it comes to hockey, this is where the similarities show up. Both play the De Champlain type of hockey. Give all you have for as long as you can. Both play with heart and passion. Whether winning or losing they never give up. The game is over only when the sound of the final siren is heard. Paul and André are good skaters taking full advantage of their speed to prepare plays or complete plays. Both are strong believers in two-way hockey, fully aware that 'back checking' is an integral part of the game. Both are leaders fully committed to the game and their team. We, the Legal fans are lucky to have these two centermen practicing their skills with the Vipers.

Now let's take a look at their individual hockey prowess.

Paul:

Paul started his hockey career in Legal playing his novice years and his first year PeeWee in front of his hometown fans. In his second year PeeWee, he transferred to Westlock and remained there until he completed the Bantam level. From there he registered with the Spruce Grove Midget for one year after which he signed with the St. Albert Midgets. Paul was having a good time and playing good hockey and inevitably, his style of play caught the eyes of some scouts and the following year he played Junior 'A' level with the Fort Saskatchewan Traders. His stay in the Fort lasted a little short of a year, when he decided to continue the season with the Morinville Junior 'B'. At 19 years of age he joined the Vegreville Junior 'B' team and played with them for three years where, I'm told, he was very popular. At age 21, he finds himself again in Westlock on the Senior 'AA' team and remained there for the next five years. By this time Paul was heavily into farming but he still managed to play the sport in loved the most.

Paul has many good memories of his hockey years. While in Vegreville he won the M.V.P. award for the league. In his first year with the Westlock Senior 'AA' team, the team won the Provincial championship. In the span of 5 years, the team won three provincial championships. Paul also won Provincials a few time before, once as a PeeWee and twice as a Bantam. Last year he won the MVP award for the Vipers. The Vipers are happy to have him on the team.

André:

André played his minor Hockey in Legal. As a PeeWee, his team won the league championship twice and as a Bantam, ones. At 18 years of age he played for the Morinville Jr. B Jets. After completing high School in Legal he went to Olds College and earned his business diploma. While completing this program he played Jr. B hockey for the Didsbury Mountainview Colts for two years. For both of those years André was awarded the Heart trophy given to the player who plays with the most heart. Back in Legal, he played in the beer league for five years. He enjoyed playing with the boys, benefited from the exercise, loved the camaraderie and overall, had a good time. But André wanted more. He believed that Legal could maintain a senior team and play league hockey. He believed there were enough players around to form a team and he believed this team would do well in the NCHL. His believes proved to be right, as time has demonstrated. The Legal Vipers are now in their second year of operation and André is a proud member of the team he dreamed about. In fact, as I am writing, he is among the top 5 scorers of the league.

Written by R.T.

Matt Kuzio:

Matt was born in 1986 in St Albert and grew up in Morinville. At the age of 5, his parents registered him to play for the Morinville novice team and he continued his minor hockey years there. His hockey skills did not go unnoticed and at 15 he became a member of the Morinville Jets Jr. 'B' team and continued, a year later, with the Drumheller Dragon Jr. 'A' team. The Midget AAA Raiders from St Albert acquired his services the following year where he played for one year until he was sent back for a second stay with the Drumheller Dragons. After two months he was traded to the Neepawa Natives Jr 'A' team in the Manitoba Junior Hockey league. With them, he was given the honour of the 'Captainship', a role that Matt fulfilled very well. After two years with the Neepawa Natives, Matt asked and was granted a transfer to Spruce Grove allowing him to play hockey closer to home. As you can see, Matt has moved around considerably during his hockey career, until he finally made it to the big league by joining the Vipers this year. Matt is a competent hockey player excelling at his position on defence and he is a strong acquisition for the Vipers' defensive core. We hope Matt will stick to big league hockey and remain with us for a long time.

Presently Matt is on an apprentice program with Finning as a mechanic. Best of luck Matt.

Written by R.T.

Mark Nysetvold:

Mark came to the Vipers a few games ago after taking a two-year hockey break. Born in Morinville, he played most of his minor hockey there. As a midget, he joined the Triple A Midget in Fort Saskatchewan and called Fort Saskatchewan home for one year. He then moved to our neighbouring province to the east and played for the Kindersley Clippers for two years. The team was a good one and made it to the Royal Bank Cup while Mark was there. The game was shown on T.V. and viewed by thousands of viewers. Not too many players get an opportunity like that. From there, Mark moved on to Canmore where he played for a year and a half. He then took time off from Hockey and went to Thailand for eight months. Eventually, like Matt Kuzio, he heard about major league hockey being played in Legal and joined the Vipers after the Christmas break.

Written by R.T.

Barret Dupuis:

Barret was born and raised in Morinville where he attended school and played his minor hockey. After school he started working in the family business and eventually married his lovely wife Kelly. Barret and Kelly still call Morinville 'home' and Barret still works with his dad in the family business, selling gasoline and other petroleum products to whomever needs them. If you are a farmer you more than likely know the Dupuis family, as they are the proud owners of the UFA bulk gas station in Morinville.

Barret started playing hockey in Morinville and played his entire minor hockey from novice to Morinville Junior Jets there. With the Jets he received the honour of being selected captain of the team. Barret does not recall ever winning any major award or special championships while in minor hockey but he does remember very well the good times he had playing the game, being with the boys and generally having a good time. One memory that he cherishes very much is his selection as team Captain while playing with the Jets. Like all young Canadians, dreaming one day of being a hockey star crossed his mind. But most of all, hockey to him was always a sport that he loved and continues to love. The nice thing about all this is that Barret's dream of being a hockey star finally became a reality when he joined the Vipers this year. Being very versatile, having played every position on the ice, including goal keeping, makes him a very important asset for any coach!!! Right Roger? Barret, the Vipers and their fans are happy to welcome you on the team.

Written by R.T.

Lindsay Mohr:

Lindsay was born and raised in Josephburg and attended school in Fort Saskatchewan. He now lives with his wife Trish and two children Riane and Crue in St Albert. Lindsay presently works for Shell Canada in the Production Department at the Scotford site. .

Lindsay started playing hockey at the tender age of five and hasn't quit since. He played his minor hockey at Josephburg, and had a junior career that included stops in Junior A and B. He migrated to Senior hockey with stops in: Bellingham, Innesfail, Stony Plain, Fort Saskatchewan, Tofield and eventually Legal. Lindsay has been part of two teams who participated in the Allan cup: Stony Plain and Fort Saskatchewan.

Lindsay is now part of the Vipers defensive core and doing very well.

Simond Nugent

Simon was born on March 29, 1985 in White Horse N.W.T. By the time he was two years old he was already skating on the back yard rink his Dad had made for the kids to play on. Simon started playing hockey as a pre-novice in White Horse and played his entire minor hockey career there. He does not recall his teams performing any type of major accomplishments but he remembers enjoying the game very much with his friends. His most memorable recollections revolve around the good times he and many of his friends had on that backyard rink his Dad had built.

On the long run the back yard rink paid off. In 2005, Simon signed up with the NEAJBHL (North East Alberta Junior B hockey league) and in that same year his team won the NEAJBHL championship. The following year, Simon signed with the Winkler Jr. 'A' team in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League where he played against his now teammate, Matt Kuzio. He then went back to Junior B hockey for one year and eventually joined the Vipers this year. Simon is a skilled defence man who is not easily pushed around. Having played as a forward before he is also a force to be reckoned with on the offensive side of the game as well. In short, he is a valuable player on the Vipers' roster and fortunately he is considering coming back next year. One interesting note before I conclude this section: both of Simon's parent played hockey and in fact his mom is still playing now. Who knows we might see a first in the hockey world here next year with a 'mother and son' combination lining up for the Vipers next year.

'Simon says' he is currently attending NAIT working towards his degree in Civil Engineering Technology to eventually get his Master in Engineering. Good luck Simon!

Written by R.T.

Brett Tapola:

Brett was born in Edmonton on April 9th, 1985. He started playing hockey as a pre-novice in Athabasca (his home town) at the age of five for the Winter Hawks. He played his minor hockey there, always as a Winter Hawk. With his Midget prowess behind him, Brett headed for Jr. Hockey with a team called the Warriors, in Saddle Lake. There he won two consecutive league championships. Brett then moved on to play Senior AAA hockey with another team, again called 'The Warriors', in River Creek. No wonder he is such a warrior on the ice. However Brett did not finish the season with the Warriors as he heard of the Legal Vipers through some of his friend and showed up on practice night with the hopes of making the team. The rest is history. Brett lives in Athabasca but doesn't mind the travelling for a chance to play with the Vipers. He hopes to be back with the Vipers next year. Needless to say that we would be happy to have him in our line-up again next year.

Brett is presently in the Oil Field Industry working as a pipeline locator. He trained on the job and enjoys his work. Good luck Brett.

Written by R.T.