The Vernon Vipers have added two players to their defensive corps, while sending a forward to Alberta and signing another from the Western Hockey League (WHL).

On Wednesday, the Vipers announced the signing of defenseman Sam Ward, an addition that adds some veteran experience to a blue line that recently lost Lukas McCloskey and Keaton Dowhaniuk, who opted to return to the WHL. Then, on Thursday morning, the team announced a trade with the Sherwood Park Crusaders, sending forward Carson McGinley in exchange for defenseman Jordan Gudridge.

Ward, a 19-year-old Kamloops native, has over 100 games of junior experience and has spent the last three seasons in the WHL. He played in 28 games for the Swift Current Broncos last season and had five assists before being traded to the Wenatchee Wild, where he had three goals and five assists in 27 games to finish the season.

“After losing two veteran defensemen, we needed a solid replacement, and we are very fortunate to bring in Sam,” said Vipers head coach Lukas Lomicky. “He has the experience we need and will provide a solid 200-foot presence at the back to support us in all situations.”

Standing five-foot-nine and weighing 174 pounds, the left-handed defenseman is known for his versatility.

“I’m excited to come to Vernon and play for the Vipers,” Ward said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the city and the organization, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Lomicky also expressed excitement about the addition of Gudridge and his potential impact on the Vipers defensive unit.

“After signing Sam Ward, we were still looking to acquire a right-handed defenseman, and Jordan was a good fit for our situation. He is an experienced puck-moving defender and will help us solidify our defense moving forward,” Lomicky said.

A native of Greenwood Village, Colorado, Gudridge recorded six points in 15 games with the Crusaders this season. Over the past two seasons, he has honed his skills with Madison of the American Hockey League and Colorado of the North American Hockey League.

Gudridge got a taste of the atmosphere at Kal Tire Place very recently, as he was in the lineup when the Crusaders took on the Vipers at Vernon Rink on Saturday, a 4-3 victory for his former team .

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the Vipers organization,” Gudridge said. “I can’t wait to get to work and play in front of fantastic fans again on Friday.”

The Vipers organization thanked McGinley for his contributions to the team and wished him well in Sherwood Park.

The team may have felt more comfortable with McGinley after signing another forward, 17-year-old Corban Almen, on Tuesday.

“Corban is a promising young player who has already gained valuable experience with over 60 junior matches under his belt,” Lomicky said. “He is a talented, competitive player with impressive offensive capabilities, and we are excited to add him to our roster.”

The Saskatoon native spent last season and the start of this season with the WHL’s Regina Pats. In 67 games with the Pats, he amassed 19 points.

The Vipers will be back in action on Friday, November 15, when the Okotoks Oilers visit Kal Tire Place. Puck drop will take place at 7 p.m. This is the only game of the weekend for the team.