Vernon, BC: Christian Felton, a 19-year-old defenceman from Medina, Ohio, has committed to the Vipers for 2019-20.
At 6’1” and 194 pounds, Christian has good size and strength but he is also mobile and able to join the rush. In his words, he tries “to have an impact at both ends of the ice.”
At the Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, he has delivered that impact for the past two years. This past year, his hockey sense and leadership abilities were recognized as he was named team captain. In 2016-17 he was a team mate of Logan Cash at the Academy.
While at Kimball Union, Christian accepted a scholarship offer to Bentley University, where Viper alumnus Steve Weinstein starred for four years. Instead of going directly from high school to university, Christian decided to play one or more years of junior hockey. He explains that developing his game in the BCHL will help him “be able to contribute immediately at college, not spend a year or two getting up to speed.” He chose the Vipers because “the program has a reputation for turning out good players, good people.”
A visit to Vernon during the playoffs confirmed his decision to come here. “The atmosphere in the building was so cool; the fan support was so strong. I’m looking forward to playing there.”
