Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Lions de Trois-Rivières Release Ex Viper Brushett:

The ECHL Lions de Trois-Rivières have released former Vernon Vipers

forward Ryan Brushett. 

Here is the press release from Lions de Trois-Rivières website,


The ECHL Lions de Trois-Rivières signed Brushett July 10th 2024. Brushett attended the Lions de Trois-Rivières training camp but was released before the start of the 2024-25 season.

The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The league serves as a farm system to the AHL and the National Hockey League (NHL).

Brushett originally committed to Providence College for the 2018-19 season, played the past five seasons with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, UMass-Lowell & RPI (Rensselaer Polytech. Inst.) from 2019-2024.

Brushett played one season in Vernon with the 2016-17 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers signed Brushett September 22nd 2016 after playing the previous two seasons in the United States Hockey League with Sioux Falls Stampede & Bloomington Thunder. The Vipers traded Brushett to the Surrey Eagles September 6th 2017 for future considerations. In 50 games with the Vipers Brushett collected (10-goals-16-assists-26-points). 

The Surrey Eagles traded Brushett back to the Vernon Vipers June 14th 2018 for future considerations. The Vipers traded Brushett to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Bonnyville Pontiacs June 1st 2018. Brushett was the future considerations in the Derek Brown trade. The Pontiacs traded Derek Brown to Vernon January 9th 2018 for Sol Seibel & future considerations. Seibel never reported to Bonnyville was later traded to Salmon Arm January 10th 2018 for future considerations. 

Ryan Brushett's Player Profile:

MacDonald & Bibby Named Honourable Mention For 3 Stars Of The Week:

Vernon Vipers forwards Landon MacDonald & Luke Bibby were named

Honourable mention for the 3 Stars of the Week.

Image credit: BCHL

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

Kinch, Martin, Merrick named NAPA Auto Parts 3 Stars of the Week | BCHL League Site

Landon MacDonald's Player Profile:

Landon MacDonald - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Luke Bibby's Player Profile:

Luke Bibby - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

BCHL Calls Emergency Board Of Governors Meeting:

Rick Dhaliwal along with several others have reported the BCHL has called an emergency board of governors meeting.

Here is the release from Rick Dhaliwal's X page,

Rick Dhaliwal on X: "The BCHL has lost a lot of players lately due to the NCAA rule change. Hearing the #BCHL has called an emergency board of governors meeting for tomorrow in Vancouver." / X

Here is the release from Jeff Marek's X page,

Jeff Marek on X: "Also, sounds like the BCHL owners are getting together to discuss next steps in the new reality of junior hockey with players jumping league to league." / X

Could we see Penticton, Nanaimo, Chilliwack & Brooks join the Western Hockey League?

Here is the release from Jim Rogers X page,

Jim Rogers on X: "@JeffMarek watch the Financially strong BCHL teams (Penticton - Chilliwack - Brooks - Nanaimo) join the WHL (depends on if they can Pay an expansion fee) while USHL teams will be eager to get into the OHL" / X

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Vernon Vipers Sign Dolzhenko:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 20 year old defenceman Daniil Dolzhenko.

Image creidt: Vernon Vipers

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

VERNON VIPERS ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF DEFENSEMAN DANIIL DOLZHENKO | Vernon Vipers

Daniil Dolzhenko's Player Profile:

Daniil Dolzhenko - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Capitals Trade Former Viper Buenaventura To Penticton:

The Cowichan Capitals have traded former Vernon Vipers

prospect/goaltender Ethan Buenaventura to the Penticton Vees.

Here is the press release from the Penticton Vees website,

Vees acquire goaltender Ethan Buenaventura | Penticton Vees

Buenaventura started the 2024-25 with the Western Hockey League Calgary Hitmen. Buenaventura has played parts of four seasons with the Hitmen before being released November 5th 2024.

Here is the story from the Calgary Herald,

Hitmen call up Kason Kobelka, release Ethan Buenventura | Calgary Herald

The Vernon Vipers owned the playing rights to goaltender Ethan Buenaventura. Buenaventura never played a game with the Vipers. The Vipers traded the playing rights of Ethan Buenaventura to the Cowichan Capitals November 8th 2024 for forward Noah Grolnic. 

Ethan Buenaventura's Player Profile:

Ethan Buenaventura - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Generals Add Former Viper Ipri To Roster:

The North American Hockey League Northeast Generals have added

former Vernon Vipers defenceman Vinny Ipri to there roster. No official press release from the Northeast Generals, but Ipri is listed on the teams roster.

Northeast Generals Roster,

Roster | NORTHEAST GENERALS

In 9 games with the Generals, Ipri has (1-goal-3-assists-4-points).

Ipri started the 2024-25 season with the Vernon Vipers. Ipri committed to the Vernon Vipers January 24th 2024 for the 2024-25 season. Ipri was released in late October. In 6 games with the Vipers, Ipri collected (1-goal-0-assists-1-point).

Vinny Ipri's Player Profile:

Vinny Ipri - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Monday, November 18, 2024

Bruins Assign Vipers Alumni Lambert To Maine Mariners:

The American Hockey League Providence Bruins have assigned former

Vernon Vipers forward Jimmy Lambert to the ECHL Maine Mariners.

Here is the press release from the Maine Mariners website,


Lambert is in his second season with the American Hockey League Providence Bruins. The Bruins re-signed Lambert July 3rd 2024. In 3 games this season, Lambert has (0-goals-0-assists-0-points).

Lambert split the 2023-24 season with the ECHL Maine Mariners & American Hockey League Providence Bruins. The Bruins signed Lambert August 9th 2023 to a one-year, two-way American Hockey League contract.

Lambert played four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2018-2022 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders. The Islanders signed Lambert April 18th 2022 on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) before signing Lambert to a professional contract April 19th 2022. 

Lambert attended the Calgary Flames development camp in 2018 & New York Islanders development camp in 2019.

Lambert played three seasons in Vernon from 2015-2018. In 156 games with the Vipers, Lambert collected (57-goals-85-assists-142-points).

Jimmy Lambert's Player Profile:

Bloomington Bison Place Former Viper Dorey On 3-Day Injured Reserve:

The ECHL Bloomington Bison have placed former Vernon Vipers

defenceman Noah Dorey on 3-day injured reserve.

Here is the transaction from the ECHL website,


The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The league serves as a farm system to the AHL and the National Hockey League (NHL).

Dorey is in his first season with the Bloomington Bison. The Bison signed Dorey August 19th 2024. Dorey is pointless in 1 game with the Bison this season.

On January 16, 2024, the ECHL awarded an expansion team to Bloomington, Illinois. On May 30, it was announced that a five-year affiliation with the New York Rangers.

Dorey played parts of four seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Kelowna Rockets from 2019-2023.

Dorey played parts of one season with the 2023-24 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers signed Dorey October 21st 2023. In 26 games with the Vipers, Dorey collected (4-goals-10-assists-14-points).

Noah Dorey's Player Profile:

Wenatchee Wild Sign Ex Vipers Defenceman McCloskey:

The Western Hockey League Wenatchee Wild have signed former Vernon

Vipers defenceman Lukas McCloskey.

Here is the post from Instagram,

Let’s Talk WHL | BREAKING: The Wenatchee Wild have appeared to sign Vernon Vipers defenceman Lukas McCloskey, as he was in their lineup tonight! This isn’t... | Instagram

McCloskey made his Wenatchee Wild debut on Saturday in a 4-3 overtime loss to Calgary, recorded 1 goal & 2 assists in a 4-2 win over Kamloops on Sunday.

Here is the press release from the Wenatchee Wild website,

Hauser Earns 100th WHL Win as Wild Close Weekend with 4-2 Victory - Wenatchee Wild

McCloskey played one season in the BCHL with the 2022-23 Wenatchee Wild before joining the Vernon Vipers in 2023. McCloskey played parts of two seasons in Vernon with the Vipers. McCloskey committed to the Vernon Vipers June 28th 2023 for the 2023-24 season. McCloskey left the Vernon Vipers for the Western Hockey League November 12th 2024. In 72 games with the Vipers, McCloskey collected (5-goals-12-assists-17-points). McCloskey has committed to Army (U.S Military Academy) for the 2025-26 season.

Lukas McCloskey's Player Profile:

Lukas McCloskey - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Vernon Vipers-Okotoks Oilers Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Okotoks Oilers highlights from November 15th 2024 in front of 2,441 fans at Kal Tire Place in Vernon.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Here are the highlights from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vernon vs Okotoks Highlights [11-15-2024]

Minneosta Wilderness Add Ex Viper Struck To Roster:

The North American Hockey League Minnesota Wilderness have added

former Vernon Vipers forward Payton Struck to there roster. No official press release from the Wilderness but Struck is listed on the teams roster.

Minnesota Wilderness Roster,

Roster | MINNESOTA WILDERNESS

In 12 games with the Wilderness, Struck has (2-goals-10-assists-12-points). 

Struck played parts of the 2023-24 season with the Vernon Vipers. Struck played 1 preseason game with the Vernon Vipers this season before being released September 16th 2024. The Vernon Vipers signed Struck November 15th 2023. In 25 games with the Vipers, Struck collected (3-goals-7-assists-10-points).

Payton Struck's Player Profile:

Payton Struck - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Icemen Activate Vipers Alumni Coughlin From 3-Day Injured Reserve:

The ECHL Jacksonville Icemen have activated former Vernon Vipers forward

Liam Coughlin from 3-day injured reserve. The Icemen placed Coughlin on 3-day injured reserve November 2nd 2024.

Here is the report from the ECHL website,


Coughlin is in his first season with the Jacksonville Icemen. The Icemen signed Coughlin August 14th 2024. In 7 games, Coughlin has (1-goal-4-assists-5-points).

The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The league serves as a farm system to the AHL and the National Hockey League (NHL).

Coughlin played the 2023-24 season with the ECHL Iowa Heartlanders, signing as a free agent August 14th 2023. Coughlin and two teammates were arrested in April 2024. In 47 games last season, Coughlin collected (6-goals-7-assists-13-points). Coughlin played the previous two seasons with the ECHL Worcester Railers.

Coughlin played four seasons at Vermont University from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Rockford IceHogs May 19th 2019.

Coughlin was drafted 130th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in Round 5 at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Coughlin didn't play a game with the Oilers, was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks July 6th 2015. Coughlin has yet to play a game with the Blackhawks.

Coughlin played two seasons in Vernon from 2013-2015. In 107 games with the Vipers, Coughlin collected (38-goals-67-assists-105-points).

Liam Coughlin's Player Profile:

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Tulsa Oilers Suspend Ex Viper McNelly:

The ECHL Tulsa Oilers have suspended former Vernon Vipers

defenceman Cade McNelly.

Here is the transaction from the ECHL website,


McNelly is in his first season with the ECHL Tulsa Oilers. The Oilers added McNelly to their training camp roster October 7th 2024. McNelly has yet to play a game with the Oilers this season.

The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The league serves as a farm system to the AHL and the National Hockey League (NHL).

McNelly didn't play hockey during the 2023-24 season. The ECHL Fort Wayne Komets signed McNelly to a tryout agreement August 28th 2023. McNelly never played a game with the Komets, was released October 18th 2023. McNelly last played hockey at SAIT (Southern AB Inst. of Tech) during the 2022-23 season.

McNelly attended the Los Angeles Kings 2021 training camp.

McNelly played parts of five seasons in the Western Hockey League from 2017-22 with the Seattle Thunderbirds and Vancouver Giants before signing with the 2021-22 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers signed McNelly January 10th 2022. In 19 games with the Vipers, McNelly collected (3-goals-0-assists-3-points).

Cade McNelly's Player Profile:

Camrose Kodiaks Sign Former Viper Payne:

The Alberta Junior Hockey League Camrose Kodiaks have signed former

Vernon Vipers forward Liam Payne.

Here is the press release from the Camrose Kodiaks website,

Transaction | Kodiaks Sign Liam Payne (F) | Camrose Kodiaks

Payne played the 2023-24 season with the North Shore Warriors U18 Prep team. In 28 games, Payne collected (26-goals-35-assists-61-points).

Payne committed to the Vernon Vipers April 11th 2023 for the 2023-24 season. Payne played in four exhibition games collecting (1-goal-2-assists-3-points) before being released October 8th 2023 before the start of the 2023-24 regular season.

Liam Payne's Player Profile:

Liam Payne - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Moose Jaw Warriors Add Former Viper Dowhaniuk To Roster:

The Western Hockey League Moose Jaw Warriors have added former

Vernon Vipers defenceman Keaton Dowhaniuk to there roster.

Here is the press release from the Moose Jaw Warriors website,

Warriors add 20-year-old defenceman Dowhaniuk to roster - Moose Jaw Warriors

Dowhaniuk played parts of the past six seasons with the Western Hockey League Prince George Cougars before the Vernon Vipers traded future considerations to the Victoria Grizzlies October 1st 2024 for the playing rights of Keaton Dowhaniuk. Dowhaniuk left the Vernon Vipers November 12th 2024 to return to the Western Hockey League. In 11 games this season with the Vipers, Dowhaniuk collected (1-goal-4-assists-5-points).

Keaton Dowhaniuk's Player Profile:

Keaton Dowhaniuk - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers-Okotoks Oilers Highlights:

Okotoks Oilers forward Michael Kowalski opens the scoring at 2:37 of the 1st period.

Here is Michael Kowalski's goal from the BCHL X page,

BCHL on X: "The stop, the sauce, the finish. What a sequence here by the Oilers 🤌 #BCHL | @OkotoksOilers https://t.co/CeR8QAKq3K" / X

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Vernon Vipers forward Luke Bibby scores at 8:39 giving the Vipers a 3-1 lead in the 1st period

Here is Luke Bibby's goal from the BCHL X page,

BCHL on X: "Marko Stojkov got the protractor out for this one! What a bank pass. 🤯📐 🎙️ @GrahamT_Vipers #BCHL | @VernonVipers https://t.co/eKmhCxdlMT" / X

Friday, November 15, 2024

Game Recap - Vernon Vipers 7 Okotoks Oilers 4

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life. My family watched Senior men's hockey in Vernon in the 1950's and has been watching Junior hockey in Vernon since it started in 1961. I have two family members that played Junior hockey in Vernon. I have had season tickets since 1990 missing only 40 home games. Since 2001 I have missed 10 home games. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 3 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't watch or attend tonight's Vipers game, here are my thoughts and views from tonight's hockey game. You may agree or disagree, but we all have our own opinion on the hockey game and see things differently. I try to be professional and give a fare game recap from both sides. Thank you for visiting my blog.

I was at tonight's game between the Vernon Vipers & Okotoks Oilers as the Vipers defeated the Oilers 7-4 in front of 2,441 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Marko Bilic
Okotoks Oilers: Olivier Ciarlo

To continue reading, please click the "read more" button below,

Game Preview: Okotoks Oilers @ Vernon Vipers:

7-9-0-0 Okotoks Oilers @ 5-9-4-

0 Vernon Vipers 7pm

Tonight is the second of four regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Okotoks Oilers.

Vernon Vipers Regular Season Record/Stats vs the Okotoks Oilers since 2024 (The Okotoks Oilers franchise joined the BCHL in February 2024)


Games Played: 1
Wins: 0
Losses: 1
Overtime Wins: 0
Overtime Losses: 0
Shootout Wins: 0
Shootout Losses: 0
Overtime Record: 0-0
Shootout Record: 0-0
Home Record: 0-0-0-0
Road Record: 0-1-0-0

To continue reading, please click the "read more" button below,

Stojkov Named Honourable Mention For 3 Stars Of The Week:

Vernon Vipers defenceman Marko Stojkov was named Honourable

mention for the 3 Stars of the Week.

Image credit: BCHL

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

Bajzer, Labre, Schrott named NAPA Auto Parts 3 Stars of the Week | BCHL League Site

Marko Stojkov's Player Profile:

Marko Stojkov - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Vernon-Sherwood Park Trade:

The Vernon Vipers have traded 18 year old forward Carson McGinley to the

Sherwood Park Crusaders for 19 year old defenceman Jordan Gudridge.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Acquire Defenseman Jordan Gudridge from Sherwood Park Crusaders | Vernon Vipers

Jordan Gudridge's Player Profile:

Jordan Gudridge - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Carson McGinley's Player Profile:

Carson McGinley - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Former Viper Gilmour Named Honourable Mention For CCHL Player Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Roarke Gilmour was named

Honourable mention for the Central Canada Hockey League Player of the Week.

Here is the release from the Central Canada Hockey League website,


Gilmour is in his first season with the Central Canada Hockey League Kemptville 73's. In 10 games with the 73's, Gilmour has (5-goals-2-assists-7-points). Gilmour was named Honourable mention last week for CCHL Player of the Week.

Gilmour started the 2024-25 season with the Vernon Vipers. The Vernon Vipers signed Gilmour August 15th 2024. Gilmour played one game with the Vipers before being removed from the teams roster in late September. Gilmour was added to the West Kelowna Warriors roster September 27th 2024. Gilmour went pointless in 2 games with the Warriors before being removed from the Warriors roster.

Roarke Gilmour's Player Profile:

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Vernon Vipers Sign Ward:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 19 year old defenceman Sam Ward.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Sign Experienced 2005-Born Defenseman Sam Ward | Vernon Vipers

Sam Ward's Player Profile:

Sam Ward - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Tough Weekend For Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers lost both home games over the weekend, are still trying to climb their way up the standings.

Here is the story from castanet.net,

Tough weekend for the Vipers as they try to climb their way up the standings - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

McCloskey & Dowhaniuk Leave Vernon Vipers For Western Hockey League:

Vernon Vipers defencemen Lukas McCloskey & Keaton Dowhaniuk have

left the Vernon Vipers for the Western Hockey League.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vernon Vipers Welcome 2007-Born Forward Corban Almen to the Team | Vernon Vipers

Lukas McCloskey's Player Profile:

Lukas McCloskey - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Keaton Dowhaniuk's Player Profile:

Keaton Dowhaniuk - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers Sign Almen:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 17 year old forward Corban Almen.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vernon Vipers Welcome 2007-Born Forward Corban Almen to the Team | Vernon Vipers

Corban Almen's Player Profile:

Corban Almen - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Clippers Sign Lyver:

The Nanaimo Clippers have signed Jimmy Lyver | Nanaimo Clippers

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Sign Cronin:

Silverbacks add a 20-year-old skilled forward | Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Anderson Steps Away From Kings:

Coach Glenn Anderson Makes Difficult Decision to Step Away from Kings Bench | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club

Brooks-Okotoks Trade:

Bandits acquire BCHL rights to Sam Huck and futures in exchange for Brock Souch | Brooks Bandits

Harbinson Reflects On 700 Wins:

Penticton’s Harbinson reflects on 700 wins in the BCHL | BCHL League Site

Silverbacks Sign Bambrick:

Silverbacks get experienced blueline help | Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Langley-Coquitlam Trade:

The Langley Rivermen Acquire Jackson Krill and Sebastian Bradshaw from the Coquitlam Express | Official Website of the Langley Rivermen

Nanaimo Clippers Sign Nuto:

Nanaimo Clippers sign Finnish goaltender Otto Nuto | Nanaimo Clippers

Salmon Arm-Chilliwack Trade:

Silverbacks trade Adam Boatter to the Chilliwack Chiefs | Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Vees Sign Wehmann:

Vees announce the signing of forward Louie Wehmann | Penticton Vees

West Kelowna Warriors Sign Monnich Hagen:

Warriors sign Norwegian Defender Philip Mønnich Hagen for 24-25 Season | West Kelowna Warriors

It Could Soon Get Tougher For Express To Attract Top Players:

NCAA eligibility rule change could impact the BC Hockey League - Tri-City News

Salmon Arm Signs Hamilton:

Silverbacks add size to the back end | Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Condors Assign Ex Viper Swetlikoff To ECHL:

The American Hockey League Bakersfield Condors have

assigned former Vernon Vipers forward Alex Swetlikoff to the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets.

Here is the press release from journalgazette.net,


Swetlikoff is in his first season with the American Hockey League Bakersfield Condors. The Condors signed Swetlikoff August 2nd 2024. In 5 games with the Condors, Swetlikoff has (0-goals-0-assists-0-points).

The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The league serves as a farm system to the AHL and the National Hockey League (NHL).

Swetlikoff split the 2023-24 season between the ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates & American Hockey League Henderson Silver Knights.

Swetlikoff played parts of four seasons with the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets & Everett Silvertips before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Henderson Silver Knights August 19th 2022. The Ghost Pirates claimed Swetlikoff off waivers from the Silver Knights October 10th 2022.

Swetlikoff attended the Las Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp in July 2022.

Swetlikoff played parts of two seasons in Vernon with the 2017-18 & 2018-19 Vernon Vipers. Swetlikoff left the Vipers December 18th 2018 for the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets. The Rockets acquired Swetlikoff's rights from the Lethbridge Hurricanes December 6th 2018. In 78 games with the Vipers, Swetlikoff collected (11-goals-23-assists-34-points).

Alex Swetlikoff's Player Profile: