This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:Heart attack claims Vipers’ longtime PA announcer
Published: October 08, 2009
It will be with heavy hearts that the Vernon Vipers take to the ice in B.C. Hockey League play this weekend.
Vipers’ longtime public address announcer, Wayne (Bucky) Buck, died earlier this week of a suspected heart attack.
Buck, who had recently retired from a sales job at Kiss FM, had also turned his mic in to spend more time watching Vipers’ games in the stands with his wife Sharon, He still acted as host of the Vipers’ post game shows at Boston Pizza.
Buck, 68, was known for his energized “Let’s play hockey” before the opening faceoff at Vipers’ home games.
“He was one of the longtime voices of the B.C. Hockey League,” said Vipers’ play-by-play announcer Todd Miller. “He was always a great supporter of the Viper family, whether he was behind the mic or not.”
Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson remembers Buck calling games when he played with the Vipers, starting in 1999.
“Even when I played, I remember seeing him on the road in places like Cowichan Valley. I think I even saw him up north one time. He was a true fan.
“He was always opinionated, but no matter what, he stood by the team. People might not always realize it, but he added to the atmosphere of our games. He became part of our tradition.”
Buck, who also loved curling and golf (he worked part-time at Hillview), was raised in Saskatchewan, and was a huge Roughrider fan. He also served several years with the Vernon Rotary Club.
The 8-1 Vipers will look for a little redemption when they visit the Interior Conference-leading Penticton Vees (10-2) tonight at the South Okanagan Events Centre. They bowed 2-0 to Penticton Saturday night.
“We’ve had all week to ramp up for this game and sometimes playing on the road can be easier. You just go out there and play,” said Williamson. “They’ve been jumping all week at practice, and now we’ve just got to capitalize on our chances. We’ve just got to get to those greasy areas, get to the net and bang them in.”
The Vipers entertain the 3-6-0-1 Cowichan Valley Capitals Saturday night at Wesbild Centre. Williamson watched the Caps bow 6-1 to the host Vees Wednesday night.
“They’ve got a big team and they’re going to play physical,” said Williamson. “We just have to be ready to play, or we could be losing out on two points. We want to be in first place as soon as we can get there.”
Vernon hosts the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (5-2-1) in a Sunday matinee (2 p.m.) at Wesbild.
Vipers’ longtime public address announcer, Wayne (Bucky) Buck, died earlier this week of a suspected heart attack.
Buck, who had recently retired from a sales job at Kiss FM, had also turned his mic in to spend more time watching Vipers’ games in the stands with his wife Sharon, He still acted as host of the Vipers’ post game shows at Boston Pizza.
Buck, 68, was known for his energized “Let’s play hockey” before the opening faceoff at Vipers’ home games.
“He was one of the longtime voices of the B.C. Hockey League,” said Vipers’ play-by-play announcer Todd Miller. “He was always a great supporter of the Viper family, whether he was behind the mic or not.”
Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson remembers Buck calling games when he played with the Vipers, starting in 1999.
“Even when I played, I remember seeing him on the road in places like Cowichan Valley. I think I even saw him up north one time. He was a true fan.
“He was always opinionated, but no matter what, he stood by the team. People might not always realize it, but he added to the atmosphere of our games. He became part of our tradition.”
Buck, who also loved curling and golf (he worked part-time at Hillview), was raised in Saskatchewan, and was a huge Roughrider fan. He also served several years with the Vernon Rotary Club.
The 8-1 Vipers will look for a little redemption when they visit the Interior Conference-leading Penticton Vees (10-2) tonight at the South Okanagan Events Centre. They bowed 2-0 to Penticton Saturday night.
“We’ve had all week to ramp up for this game and sometimes playing on the road can be easier. You just go out there and play,” said Williamson. “They’ve been jumping all week at practice, and now we’ve just got to capitalize on our chances. We’ve just got to get to those greasy areas, get to the net and bang them in.”
The Vipers entertain the 3-6-0-1 Cowichan Valley Capitals Saturday night at Wesbild Centre. Williamson watched the Caps bow 6-1 to the host Vees Wednesday night.
“They’ve got a big team and they’re going to play physical,” said Williamson. “We just have to be ready to play, or we could be losing out on two points. We want to be in first place as soon as we can get there.”
Vernon hosts the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (5-2-1) in a Sunday matinee (2 p.m.) at Wesbild.
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