Home Editor's Picks Returning STL Vipers Add Defensive Clamp Down At Latest Draft

Returning STL Vipers Add Defensive Clamp Down At Latest Draft

by Brian Ledford

After the sixth round of the National Roller Hockey League (NRHL) draft concluded Saturday night, it was quite evident that the returning St. Louis Vipers are assembling a team that is putting a fanged focus on high-octane back lines that will propel the team to future success.

With the 24th pick overall in the NRHL draft, the Vipers claimed defenseman Cody Page, who is currently competing in his senior year of hockey at Lindenwood University.

Page competes alongside the locals whose 28-game campaign begins Friday, May 22 in a road game against the Detroit Dragons, which is the NRHL’s opening game of the season. St. Louis continues the road trip with a meeting with the Port Huron Yeti the following night.

The Vipers, who last appeared with Roller Hockey League International in 1999, skate their home opener Saturday, May 30 at Family Arena against the Grand Rapids Warthogs. The four-team NRHL will hold their championship finale in August.

Page, 24, is the fifth defenseman selected by the Vipers in the NRHL draft’s opening six rounds.

The San Clemente, California native is in his final stretch with the Lions, who are currently 11-7 overall this season. In 15 games at Lindenwood this campaign, the 5-6, 150 pound defenseman had recorded nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points.

Expanding on his tenure at Lindenwood, Page currently has amassed 95 career goals and 121 career assists for a total output of 216 points and his overall scoring impact makes him one to watch.

The final NRHL draft weekend will be held this Saturday and a two-round supplemental draft will commence March 28.

Former St. Louis Blue Perry Turnbull, who coached the Vipers when they won the RHLI Murphy Cup Championship in 1999, helms the bench for their 2020 return.

More information on the Vipers, which includes season ticket packages, can be found at their official website.

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By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.

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