For now, Niagara University’s gain is the Vernon Vipers’ loss.
Forward Christian Cakebread accepted an offer to the NCAA Div. I program last week and has already left for school. The Purple Eagles benefitted already from his addition as he suited up immediately and scored a goal in their weekend series against conference rival Holy Cross.
Cakebread had nine goals and 11 assists for the Vipers in 35 games this season. The 6-foot, 200-pound forward’s size and speed will be tough to replace for the Vipers as they navigate the push to the playoffs without him.
A native of Gilbert, Arizona, Cakebread played youth hockey with Toronto Maple Leafs rookie sensation Auston Matthews. He joined the Vipers partway through last season and wound up with 30 points in 35 games.
At Niagara, Cakebread joins a Purple Eagles roster that was previously void of BCHL alums. He will be joined next season by Cowichan Valley Capitals defenceman Chris Harpur, who committed to Niagara in December.
The Purple Eagles compete in the NCAA’s Div. I Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA). Other schools in the AHA are Holy Cross, AIC, Army West Point, Bentley, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, Mercyhurst, RIT and Air Force.
