Four former Hampton Roads Junior Whalers have signed Tier 3 Junior A contracts to play for the Portland Jr. Pirates in the AJHL for the 2010/2011 season.

Ryan Salkeld, a 91’ forward from Portsmouth Virginia, led the team in scoring last season. Salkeld’s 33 goals and 29 assists put him 1st in scoring for the Whalers and fourth in scoring for the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League.  Head Coach Brad Church looks forward to having Salkeld on the ice this season.  “Ryan’s a big smooth skating winger who had a lot of success in the MJHL. He has the ability to play the point on the power play and will be counted on to be an offensive leader for our team.  We are very excited to have him on our roster.”
 

Timmy Searles, a 92' forward from Chesapeake, VA is a skilled forward who's speed and puck moving ability will serve the Pirates well.  Searles missed most of the 09/10 season after suffering a seperated shoulder early in the season.  He rejoined the Whalers late in the year and helped them advance deep in the MJHL playoffs, finishing with 6 goals and 5 assists in 10 games.

PJ Hefferin, a 91' forward from Lake Forth, FL served as team captain for the Whalers in the 09/10 season.  PJ brings strong leadership and playmaking ability to the Pirates.  He finished 2nd on the team in scoring last season behind Salkeld with 14 goals and 24 assists in 25 games for the Whalers.

Peter Vonu, a 90' forward from Virginia Beach, VA joins the Pirates after spending last season with the Laconia Leafs in the AJHL.  Vonu compiled 2 goals and 3 assists in 41 games for the Leafs last season.  Vonu has been a part of the Jr. Whalers for 3 season including the inagural undefeated Jr. Whalers season in 06/07, helping the Whalers to 2 CHA and 1 MET South League Championship in his 3 seasons.