Vernon Considers Vipers Tribute:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vernon considers Vipers tribute

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Published: June 05, 2010

Anyone driving into Vernon will know it’s home to Canada’s top junior hockey team.

The city’s finance committee will recommend to council that new, larger signs be installed at the three entrances to the community promoting Vernon’s junior hockey teams, six-time national champions, and back-to-back winners of the Royal Bank Cup.

“We need to do something for the national champs,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy.

“It’s amazing the number of calls from Vipers fans who want something done.”

There are currently signs proclaiming the team’s previous victories but Gilroy insists they need to be updated and made larger so they are noticeable to motorists.

“They will brighten up the entrances to the city,” he said.

The exact cost isn’t known, but it could be a couple of thousand dollars. Gilroy believes the expense is appropriate.

“They deserve the recognition and it’s a huge pride thing for our community,” he said of the team’s championships.

Support for the signs also comes from Coun. Bob Spiers.

“We need to recognize a great reality. The Vipers have done something no other junior team has ever done before,” he said.

The finance committee’s recommendation could be before council for consideration June 14.