_{Marc Hetnik rallies up the ice for the Vipers. Photo: Roger Tepper, Edge Photography}Marc Hetnik is the latest product of the Catholic Memorial pipeline to skate with the Vipers. Mike Collins and Garrett Noonan were previous graduates of the Boston high school who’ve starred in the BCHL. Marc has a similar level of talent.

Before coming to Vernon, Marc talked at length with Mike and Garrett about the Vipers. (Mike was a senior and Marc a freshman the year they played together; Garrett and Marc played two years together for the Catholic Memorial Knights.)

Marc says, “Both of then said how great it was to play for the Vipers and I was sold! They said how great my billets (Rick and Lynn Chisholm) would be, and that’s certainly true. And the hockey has been just the way they described it.”

In response to the question of why Marc’s high school has turned out many fine players, he replies, “It’s a college prep school that attracts talented kids, but most of the credit has to go to the coach, Bill Hanson. He’s sent dozens of players to Division 1 schools; he’s won 17 state championships. He’s done it all. Just like the Vipers, the Knights have that tradition. The four years I played there, we had really good teams and we played with a target on our backs, just like the Vipers. We knew we would get the other team’s best game every night, just like here in Vernon.”

But there is a difference, he says. “In our high school league we had skilled players, guys who could skate and guys who could hit, but there are a lot more of them here.”

He’s happy about his role with the Vipers. “Yeah, I’m getting lots of ice time and playing in all situations, which is good for development. The other D-men are all good to play with, too.”

Coach Chris Shaw is also happy with Marc’s play: “He could also play forward if we needed him to fill in up front – he has the speed and offensive instincts. We knew that he would be strong offensively, but in the early going he’s been among the leaders in the plus/minus category. We’re very happy with his defensive play.”

Becoming a strong defender is one of Marc’s main goals this year. “I’ve always been a strong skater and I’ve put up points, but the defensive side is what I need to develop more this year.”

Some of that offensive ability is no doubt genetic. His father, Marc Sr., was a centre who played four years at Boston University, where Marc Jr. will study next year. “He hasn’t taken on the responsibility of totally teaching me the game, but we’ve had BU season tickets and he’s told me to watch what players do in certain situations. He’s made sure I paid attention to what was developing on the ice, and which players make the right moves.”

The two are close: “I talk to him pretty much every day, and we Skype two days a week. He’ll be here for Parents’ Weekend, so I’m excited about that.”

Will Marc recommend the Vipers to other Catholic Memorial players after he leaves Vernon for Boston University?  “You bet I will. This is not only a good place to play and develop. It’s a great town to live in.”