Vipers Flooded With Coaching Interest:

This is posted on the Kiss FM website:

Vipers Flooded With Coaching Interest

Written by Peter McIntyre Friday, 12 September 2014

There's no shortage of interest in the Vernon Vipers coaching job.

Team owner Duncan Wray says he's had close to two dozen people state an interest in the coach/GM position, vacated by Jason Williamson for personal reasons Monday.

"There are people coming from places I've never heard of, that are looking for this job. Vernon must be a great place to be because they're all wanting to be here," Wray tells Kiss FM.

Pictured: Duncan Wray, Vernon Vipers owner

Wray says it's not the best time to be looking for a coach, given that most hockey programs are underway.

"But there are a lot of people still willing to make a move," he says, adding some of the applicants are out of work, while others are with teams.

Wray says finalizing a deal may take a while.

"I think the negotiations with whoever I decide will be somewhat protracted, but we'll see. I don't think it will be 'Okay, the job is yours.' I think we will have to sit down and discuss what the job entails and what I expect. It could take a while, or it could come next week."

Wray says he's not necessarily looking for one person to be coach and GM

"We've kind of restructured the whole organization for the last couple of coaches I've had. It's probably coach and director of hockey operations. The management and business of the team is more (assistant GM) Todd (Miller's) area."

Mark Ferner's name has been mentioned but Wray would not officially confirm if he's a candidate as he currently works for the Kamloops Blazers.

"Is he in the mix? Well, we will see," states Wray.

Ferner coached the Vipers to back to back RBC Cups in 2009 and 2010.

Wray says interim head coach Kevin Kraus is also being considered.

The Vipers (2-1) close out the BCHL pre season this weekend with games against the Prince George Spruce Kings (0-2) tonight in Vernon and Saturday in PG.

They start the regular season next Friday against the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack.