Seven players in the BCHL have switched jerseys as teams look to beef up their teams prior to the Dec. 1 deadline.

The Vernon Vipers acquired Penticton’s Curtis Gedig from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for Nick Amies, Drew George and future considerations. As reported by Black Press, Gedig is an 18-year-old seventh-round pick (204th overall) of the New Jersey Devils, who has posted 6-3-9 in 23 games with the Caps.

The Vees however have stood pat so far.

The team’s depth will be tested as they lost the services of defenceman Bo Dolan due to a broken leg.

But just because the Vees now have six D-men on their roster, it doesn’t mean coach-GM Fred Harbinson is going to be quick to pull the trigger on a deal.

During Coach’s Corner on Thursday Harbinson said he won’t make any hasty decisions. He’s happy with his D-core which includes Joey Laleggia, Matt Paltridge, Isaac MacLeod, Derik Johnson, Byron Sorenson and Luke Curadi. The third-year Vees coach is happy because his players have the skill to help the team continue to win. A boost is having solid leaders in Paltridge and Johnson on the back end who can calm things down.

The only concern Harbinson has is keeping the competition high among players. It’s not surprising that he wants to see his players continue to work and prove their worth on the roster. What coach wouldn’t want that? When the team dealt Adam Zamec, that created room to bring another 20-year-old, which would have to be a non-import since they are at the max with imports. Unless the Vees were to actually lose their three games this weekend against Williams Lake (6-18-1), Prince George (11-17-1-1), and Trail (9-19-0-1), Harbinson will likely hold off with any roster moves. Even then he might not panic and make a trade. Of course, a too good to pass up offer won’t be ignored. The latter two teams should pose a challenge for the Vees.

The Vees haven’t faced the Timberwolves since the opening game of the season, which the Vees won 5-4. The Vees then defeated Prince George 9-2. In two meetings against the Smoke Eaters, which features the brothers Beau and Wade Bennett against each other, Beau and the Vees have the upper hand having won 5-3 and 8-2.

When it comes to making moves to improve his roster, Harbinson said he isn’t concerned about right now. It’s further down the line his position will change. Sometimes the best moves coach’s make are the ones they don’t.

The Vees don’t have the sparkling record the Vernon Vipers have at 28-1, but they can brag about the fact they handed the Vipers their only loss at the Wesbild Centre during a 2-0 win. At 24-4-0-2, that’s still an impressive record. Oh, and they can also brag about being ranked No. 6 in the country as of Mondays Canadian Junior Hockey League rankings. They are behind Vernon at No. 1, the Spruce Grove Saints No. 2, the Kingston Voyageurs No. 3, Dauphin Kings No. 4, and the Georgetown Raiders. If you asked them, I’m sure the team would say they would trade that ranking for an RBC Cup which is their ultimate goal.