Former Viper Signs With NHL Team

Written by Rob Abramenko Friday, 19 March 2010 10:28

Former Vernon Viper Hunter Bishop has signed with the Montreal Canadiens.

Bishop scored 57 goals for the Vipers two seasons ago before going to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Alaska native will report to the Canadiens AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs on Monday.

Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced the signing of the free agent forward Thursday to a two-year contract (2010-11 and 2011-12).

Bishop, 22, a 6', 196 lbs forward native of Fairbanks, Alaska ranked fourth in scoring in his second season with the NCAA Buckeyes this season. He registered 27 points in 33 games (15 goals, 12 assists). He ranked third in goals and had 22 penalty minutes. In his sophomore season with Ohio State in 2008-09, Bishop ranked third in scoring with 31 points in 42 games (14 goals, 17 assists).

From 2005 to 2008, Bishop registered a total of 177 points (93 goals, 84 assists) in 140 regular season games with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League), including a 97-point season (57-40-97) in 2007-08.

Bishop participated in the Canadiens' development camp in 2009.