Monday, March 18, 2024

Vernon Vipers-Nanaimo Clippers Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Nanaimo Clippers highlights from March 16th 2024 in front of 615 fans at Kal Tire Place North in Vermon.

Here are the highlights from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vernon vs Nanaimo Highlights [3-16-2024] (youtube.com)

Vernon Vipers Add Cleaves To Roster:

The Vernon Vipers have added 18 year old defenceman Cooper Cleaves

to their roster. No official press release from the Vernon Vipers but Cleaves played both games with the Vipers over the weekend and is listed on the Vernon Vipers 2023-24 roster.

Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Roster,

Vernon Vipers Roster 2023-24 Regular Season | BCHL League Site

Cleaves is the younger brother of Vernon Vipers forward Hank Cleaves. Cooper Cleaves started the 2023-24 season with the Vernon Vipers before returning to his high school team for the school year. Cleaves committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2024-25 season January 17th 2024. In 8 games this season with the Vipers, Cleaves has (1-goal-0-assists-1-point).

Cooper Cleaves Player Profile:

Cooper Cleaves - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Game Recap - Vernon 3 Alberni Valley 2

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 and missed 5 home games since 2004 and 46 home games since 1990. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 2.8 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 today's Vernon Vipers-Alberni Valley Bulldogs game as the Vipers defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in front of 756 fans at Kal Tire Place North.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David
Alberni Valley Bulldogs: Hlib Artsatbanrov

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

Game Preview: Alberni Valley @ Vernon:

Alberni Valley 29-19-1-0 at Vernon 29-19-1-0 7pm

Tonight is the first and only regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The Vipers went 1-0 vs Alberni Valley last season

Vernon's record & stats vs the Bulldogs since 2003

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 25-6-3-2-1 vs Alberni Valley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Alberni Valley 143-83

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 13-3-0-2 at home vs Alberni Valley

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 10-3-2-0-1 in Alberni Valley

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon is 2-0-0-1 vs Alberni Valley at the Showcase

The Vipers are 10-0-0-0 in their last ten home games vs the Bulldogs

The Vipers are 8-1-1-0-1 in their last ten games in Alberni Valley

The Vipers are 7-1-0-1-0-1 in their last ten games vs Alberni Valley

The Vipers last regular season win in Alberni Valley was a 4-3 shootout victory on Saturday, October 26th 2019

The Bulldogs last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 1-0 shootout victory on Saturday, October 30th 2021

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Alberni Valley was a 7-3 victory on Saturday, January 11th 2020

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

Facchinelli's Overtime Winning Goal:

Vernon Vipers forward Julian Facchinelli scores at 2:15 into overtime,

giving the Vipers a 3-2 overtime win over the visiting Nanaimo Clippers.

Here is the overtime winning goal from the BCHL X page,

BCHL on X: "OT Winner in Vernon! 🚨 Julian Facchinelli ends it in the extra frame! 🎙️ @GrahamT_Vipers #BCHL | @VernonVipers https://t.co/95UBgKAoCG" / X (twitter.com)

Cleaves Opens The Scoring On The Power Play:

Vernon Vipers forward Hank Cleaves opens the scoring on the power

play at 3:49 of the 1st period

Here is the goal from the BCHL X page,

BCHL on X: "Quick work on the powerplay here from the Vipers! 💣 Hank Cleaves RIPS one home just 7 seconds into the man advantage! 🎙️ @GrahamT_Vipers #BCHL | @VernonVipers https://t.co/SFiIYzAo9O" / X (twitter.com)

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Game Recap - Vernon 3 Nanaimo 2 Overtime

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 and missed 5 home games since 2004 and 46 home games since 1990. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 2.8 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 today's Vernon Vipers-Nanaimo Clippers game as the Vipers defeated the Clippers 3-2 in overtime in front of 615 fans at Kal Tire Place North. Kal Tire Place is closed for repairs.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Colin Reay
Nanaimo Clippers: Tyler Hidges

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

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Five years ago today (March 16th 2019) Trail Smoke Eaters forward Owen

Ozar scored at 0:12 into overtime, giving the Trail Smoke Eaters a 5-4 overtime win over the Vernon Vipers in Game 2 of the second round of the BCHL playoffs in front of 2,063 fans at Kal Tire Place. Vernon would eventually go on to win the best of 7 playoff series 4 games to 3.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Trail Smoke Eaters @ Vernon Vipers Saturday, March 16, 2019 | BCHL League Site

Owen Ozar's Player Profile:

Owen Ozar - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Vernon Vipers And Jason McKee Mutually Part Ways:

The Vernon Vipers & Head Coach/GM Jason McKee have parted ways.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers and Jason McKee Mutually Part Ways | Vernon Vipers

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

Vernon Vipers ‘part ways’ with head coach and GM | Vernon Matters

Jason McKee's Coaching Profile:

Jason McKee - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Reopening Of Kal Tire Place On Track For March 20

The City of Vernon announced Friday that Kal Tire Place will re-open on Wednesday, March 20th 2024.

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

Reopening of Kal Tire Place on track for March 20, 90% of games successfully moved | Vernon Matters

Game Preview: Nanaimo @ Vernon:

Nanaimo 26-20-2-1 @ Vernon 28-19-1-0 6pm

Tonight is the first and only regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Nanaimo Clippers. The Clippers went 1-0 vs the Vipers last season

Vernon's record & stats vs the Clippers since 2003

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 22-9-1-2-0 vs Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Nanaimo 115-97

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 15-1-0-1 at home vs Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 6-8-1-1 in Nanaimo

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon is 1-0-0-0 vs Nanaimo at the Showcase

The Vipers are 6-3-1-0 in their last ten games vs Nanaimo

The Vipers are 9-1-0-0 in their last ten home games vs the Clippers

The Vipers are 4-4-1-1 in their last ten road games vs the Clippers

The Vipers last regular season win in Nanaimo was a 4-1 victory on Friday, January 25th 2019

The Clippers last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday, February 18th 2023

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

Friday, March 15, 2024

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Sixteen years ago today (March 15th 2008) Vernon Vipers forward Greg Beller

scored the game winner at 18:56 of the 3rd period, breaking a 1-1 tie. Beller's goal would prove to be the winner as the Vernon Vipers forced a Game 7 with a 2-1 victory over the Penticton Vees in Game 6 of the Interior Conference Finals in front of 2,127 fans at Wesbild Centre. Penticton would eventually win Game 7 and win the best of seven playoff series 4 games to 3.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Penticton Vees @ Vernon Vipers Saturday, March 15, 2008 | BCHL League Site

Greg Beller's Player Profile:

Greg Beller - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Chiller Repaired At Kal Tire Place, But Ice Not Yet Ready:

The ice chiller at Kal Tire Place has been repaired but the ice is still several days away from being usable.

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

Chiller repaired at Kal Tire Place, but ice not yet ready | Vernon Matters

Kim Named 2nd Star Of Week:

Vernon Vipers forward Owen Kim was named 2nd Star of the Week,

while Vernon Vipers forward Hank Cleaves was named Honourable mention.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

Kursonis, Kim, Dawson named NAPA Auto Parts 3 Stars of the Week | BCHL League Site

Owen Kim's Player Profile:

Owen Kim - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Thursday, March 14, 2024

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Nine years ago today (March 14th 2015) Penticton Vees forward Connor

Chartier scores at 2:11 of the second overtime, giving the Penticton Vees a 4-3 double overtime victory over the Vernon Vipers in Game 1 of the 2nd round of the BCHL playoffs in front of 2,217 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Penticton would eventually win the best of seven playoff series 4 games to 3.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Penticton Vees Saturday, March 14, 2015 | BCHL League Site

Connor Chartier's Player Profile:

Connor Chartier - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Vernon Vipers Player Profile - #7 George Stavrianeas

The 1st year left winger has been having an excellent rookie season. Stavrianeas talks about his start in hockey, how he was recruited and playing last season with Shawnigan Lake school.

Here is George Stavrianeas's Player Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Player Profile - #7 George Stavrianeas - YouTube

Wenatchee Wild Name Former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers Alumni Mick New Scout:

The Western Hockey League Wenatchee Wild have named

former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers Troy Mick new scout.

Here is the press release from the Wenatchee Wild website,


The Wenatchee Wild spent seven seasons in the BCHL from 2015-2020 and 2021-2023 before joining the Western Hockey League in 2023. 

Mick spent last season with the BCHL Wenatchee Wild’s organization as Hockey Director and Head Coach of the Wenatchee Wolves 18UAAA team and the Wenatchee Wilderness 16UAAA team.

Mick spent the 2020-21 season as Head Coach of the Philadelphia Hockey Club 16U team. Prior to coaching in Philadelphia, Mick spent the previous six seasons in the BCHL with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks as General Manager, Head Coach and President and part owner.

Mick was also involved in coaching in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League & Western Hockey League with Revelstoke, Portland, Kamloops & Tri-Cities from 2000-2010.

Mick played three seasons of semi pro hockey in the IHL & ECHL from 1990-1993 before retiring from professional hockey due to injury.

Mick played two seasons in Vernon from 1984-1986 with the Vernon Lakers before being traded to the Merritt Warriors during the 1985-86 season. In 17 games with the Lakers, Mick collected (4-goals-8-assists-12-points). Mick was also an Assistant Coach and in charge of marketing with the Vernon Lakers from 1993-1995 Mick was also an Assistant Coach with the 1995-96 Vernon Vipers before being named Head Coach/GM for the 1996-97 season. Mick was Head Coach/GM of the Vernon Vipers from 1996-2000 before returning to Vernon as GM from 2005-2007. 

Mick was drafted in Round 7 130th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. 

Troy Mick's Player/Coaching Profile:

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Henderson Silver Knights Assign Former Viper Forward Swetlikoff To ECHL:

The American Hockey League Henderson Silver Knights have

assigned former Vernon Vipers forward Alex Swetlikoff to the ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates.

Here is the transaction from the ECHL website,


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

In 19 games with the Silver Knights, Swetlikoff has (3-goals-0-assists-3-points). In 20 games with the Ghost Pirates, Swetlikoff has (8-goals-9-assists-17-points).

Swetlikoff played the 2022-23 season with the ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates.

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 was drafted by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, played two and a half seasons with his hometown Kelowna Rockets before being traded to Everett August 25th 2021.

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:

Vernon Vipers 3rd Jersey Auction Promo Video:

Vernon Vipers game worn 3rd jersey is now available for auction.

Here is the Vernon Vipers 3rd jersey auction promo video from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

2024 3rd Jersey Auction - YouTube

Staff Recommendation For New Video Scoreboard At Kal Tire Place Deferred:

The staff recommendation to proceed with a new $300,000 digital scoreboard for Kal Tire Place was removed from the agenda.

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

Staff recommendation for new video scoreboard at Kal Tire Place deferred | Vernon Matters

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Information Regarding Vernon Vipers Weekend Games:

The Vernon Vipers have released some information regarding this weekend's home games being played at Kal Tire Place North.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Game On | Vernon Vipers

Game Times And Locations Change Following Ice Issues At Kal Tire Place:

The Vernon Vipers announced this morning both home games this weekend vs Alberni Valley & Nanaimo have been moved to Kal Tire Place North due to repairs at Kal Tire Place.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

BREAKING! – Game Times and Locations Change Following Ice Issues at KTP | Vernon Vipers

BCHL Announces Alberta Playoff Format And BC Postseason Refresher:

The BC Hockey League Playoffs will remain the same as in previous years.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL announces Alberta playoff format and BC postseason refresher | BCHL League Site

Monday, March 11, 2024

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Twenty years ago today (March 11th 2004) Trail Smoke Eaters forward Troy

Newton scored at 4:00 of overtime in Game 5 of the 1st round of the BCHL playoffs, giving the Trail Smoke Eaters a 3-2 overtime victory over the Vernon Vipers in front of 1,705 fans at the Vernon Multiplex. Kevin Hachey made 36 saves in the win, while Mark Sibbald made 32 saves in the loss. With the win Trail wins the best of seven playoff series 4 games to 1.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Trail Smoke Eaters @ Vernon Vipers Thursday, March 11, 2004 | BCHL League Site

Troy Newton's Player Profile,

Troy Newton - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Eighteen years ago today (March 11th 2006) Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Volpatti scores at 8:18 of overtime, giving the Vernon Vipers a 4-3 overtime victory over the Prince George Spruce Kings in Game 4 of the best of seven playoff series in front of 643 fans at the Prince George Coliseum. Jon Olthuis made 26 saves in the win, while Patrick Sullivan made 40 saves in the loss. With the win, Vernon takes a 3-1 series lead and would eventually win the best of seven playoff series 4 games to 1.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Prince George Spruce Kings Saturday, March 11, 2006 | BCHL League Site

Aaron Volpatti's Player Profile:

Aaron Volpatti - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Sixteen years ago today (March 11th 2008) Vernon Vipers forward Kellen Jones scores at 3:43 of overtime, giving the Vernon Vipers a 3-2 overtime win over the Penticton Vees in Game 3 of the 2nd round of the BCHL playoffs. Andrew Hammond made 26 saves in the win, while Alex Evin made 34 saves in the loss. With the win, Vernon is down 2-1 in the best of seven playoff series. Penticton would eventually win the best of seven playoff series 4 games to 3.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Penticton Vees @ Vernon Vipers Tuesday, March 11, 2008 | BCHL League Site

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

Kellen Jones - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Kal Tire Place Closed For Repairs:

Kal Tire Place has been closed for repairs. It was originally estimated that repairs would take one to two days but a further assessment shows it could be closed for the rest of the week.

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

Vernon's Kal Tire Place South facility closed for repairs Sunday and Monday - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

Kal Tire Place repairs will take longer than first thought, bookings being adjusted | Vernon Matters

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

City of Vernon says Kal Tire Place repairs will take longer than originally expected - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Blog Hits 2.8 Million Viewers:

On Friday, March 8th 2024 my Vipersdiehardfan Blog hit 2.8 million viewers.

Thank you to everyone for visiting my blog.

I started and created this blog in November 2008

Blogger tells me where my viewers are from, how many viewers I get per day, per week, per month and per year. During the Vipers season I average between 450-2000 views per day. Prior to the BCHL leaving Hockey Canada I was averaging between 350-600 views per day. Since the BC Hockey League has left Hockey Canada I have had between 800-3000 views per day. 

Top Locations - Viewers from across the globe,

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Sunday, March 10, 2024

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Eighteen years ago today (March 10th 2006) Vernon Vipers forward/captain

Mike Ullrich scores at 6:44 of double overtime giving the Vipers a 4-3 double overtime victory in Game 3 of the 1st round of the BCHL playoffs over the Prince George Spruce Kings in front of 701 fans at the Prince George Coliseum. Jon Olthuis made 32 saves in the win, while Cory Grant made 39 saves in the loss. With the win, Vernon took a 2-1 series lead and would eventually win the best of 7 playoff series 4 games to 1.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Prince George Spruce Kings Friday, March 10, 2006 | BCHL League Site

Mike Ullrich's Player Profile:

Mike Ullrich - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

New Scoreboard For Kal Tire Place?

The City of Vernon staff are recommending the city purchase a new digital score board for Kal Tire Place.

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

City of Vernon staff are recommending $300,000 be approved for a digital scoreboard at Kal Tire Place - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

City staff supporting new $300,000 video scoreboard for Kal Tire Place | Vernon Matters

Anaheim Ducks Trade Ex Vipers Goaltender Taylor To Oilers:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded former Vernon Vipers goaltender

Ty Taylor to the Anaheim Ducks, the Ducks then traded Taylor to the Edmonton Oilers in a three team trade.

Here is the press release from the Tampa Bay Lightning website,


Here is the press release from the Edmonton Oilers website,


Taylor is currently playing with the Southern Professional Hockey League Evansville
Thunderbolts. The Thunderbolts signed Taylor November 29th 2023. In 10 games, Taylor is 2-6 with a 3.02 GAA

Taylor started the 2023-24 season with the Southern Professional Hockey League Macon Mayhem. The Mayhem signed Taylor August 29th 2023. Taylor attended the Mayhem training camp but never played a game before being released mid October 2023. 

Taylor played last season with the Elite Ice Hockey League Glasgow Clan. In 17 games last season, Taylor went 3-11-0 with a 4.23 GAA

The Glasgow Clan (formerly Braehead Clan) is a Scottish professional ice hockey team. It was formed in 2010 as the UK Elite Ice Hockey League expanded into the West of Scotland market, and are based at the Braehead Arena in Renfrewshire. It is currently one of three Scottish clubs playing in the top British league.

Taylor played three seasons at the University of New Hampshire from 2018-2021 before transferring to Grant MacEwan University for the 2021-22 season, for his final year of college hockey. Taylor signed his first professional contract with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears February 24th 2022. Taylor played one game with the Solar Bears before the American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch signed Taylor March 13th 2022. Taylor didn’t play a game with the Crunch, before being released April 28th 2022.

Taylor was drafted 214th overall in Round 7 by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Taylor played two seasons in Vernon from 2016-2018. In 60 games with the Vipers, Taylor went 36-17-5 with 8 shutouts and a 2.38 GAA Taylor holds the franchise record for most shutouts in one season with 7 during the 2017-18 season. Taylor along with Michael Garteig & Brad Thiessen hold the BCHL record with most shutouts in a season with 7 each. 

Ty Taylor's Player Profile:

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Game Recap - Trail 6 Vernon 2

The Trail Smoke Eaters improve to 25-17-6-0 after a 6-2 win over the 28-19-1-0 Vernon Vipers in front of 1,368 fans at the Cominco Arena.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday, March 09, 2024 | BCHL League Site

Game Report,

Game Report (hockeytech.com)

Text Box Score,

Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com (hockeytech.com)

Vernon Junior Hockey History website,

VernonJrAHockey.CA