Game Recap - Vernon Vipers 5 Trail Smoke Eaters 3

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The 15-32-7-0 Vernon Vipers defeated the 30-22-1-0 Trail Smoke Eaters 5-3 in front of 1,597 fans at the Cominco arena.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

https://bchl.ca/stats/game-center/14120

Game Report,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?client_code=bchl&game_id=14120&lang_id=1

Text Box Score,

https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?client_code=bchl&game_id=14120&lang_id=1

Vernon Junior Hockey History,

VernonJrAHockey.CA

Vernon Vipers 2025-26 Awards:

The Vernon Vipers handed out their annual year-end awards after their final regular season home game March 27th 2026 in a 5-1 loss to the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Source: Vernon Vipers YouTube

2025-26 Vernon Vipers Awards 

Vernon Vipers Fan Appreciation Video:

The Vernon Vipers released their 2025-26 fan appreciation video.

Source: Vernon Vipers YouTube

2025-26 Fan Appreciation Video

Game Preview: Vernon Vipers @ Trail Smoke Eaters:

14-32-7-0 Vernon Vipers @ 30-22-1-0 Trail Smoke Eaters 7pm

Tonight is the seventh and final regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Trail Smoke Eaters. 

Vernon Vipers Regular Season Record/Stats vs the Trail Smoke Eaters since the 2003-04 Regular Season: (League website only goes back as far as

2003-04 season)

Games Played: 135

Wins: 90

Losses: 36

Ties: 1

Overtime Wins: 13

Overtime Losses: 7

Shootout Wins: 3

Shootout Losses: 1

Overtime Record: 13-7

Shootout Record: 3-1

Home Record: 51-12-6-0-0

Road Record: 39-24-1-1-1

The Vernon Vipers are 0-9-1-0 in their last ten regular season games vs the Trail Smoke Eaters

The Vernon Vipers are 1-8-0-1 in their last ten regular season games in Trail

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

Game Recap - Trail Smoke Eaters 5 Vernon Vipers 1

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 6.7 million viewers. I have had season tickets since 1990 missing 46 home games since. My family watched senior men's hockey in Vernon in the 1950's and has been watching/following junior hockey in Vernon since Vernon got a team in 1961. I have two family members that played junior hockey in Vernon. I have some programs and ticket stubs going back to 1988 and have every program and ticket stub from every game since 1990. I worked with the Vipers as colour commentator for a couple of home games during the 2002-03 season and in 2011 helped create/design the Vipers website that I was in charge of running for five seasons.

I was at tonight's Vernon Vipers-Trail Smoke Eaters game as the Smoke Eaters won 5-1 in front of 2,611 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Lane Maarhuis
Trail Smoke Eaters: Chayse Johnson

Before tonight's game the Vipers honored three alumni (Bob Mayer - Vernon Essos, Danny Todosychuk - Vernon Vipers and Jim Inglis - Vernon Essos) as well as having a moment of silence for former Vernon Lakers owner Mel Lis who recently passed away.

1st Period: The Trail Smoke Eaters were the better team for most of the opening frame. Trail jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead just over four minutes and chased Vipers starting goaltender Lane Maarhuis after scoring three goals on four shots. The Smokies come ready to play, had a good transition game, were flying up and down the ice most of the period, really using their speed and capitalized on their opportunities. The Smoke Eaters had more puck possession, more zone time, looked good. The hometown Vipers didn't look so good in the teams final regular season home game. Vernon was getting pucks to the net but not a whole lot of quality chances. The Vipers didn't have a whole lot of zone time, didn't look very sharp. Goaltending let them down. It was 4-1 Trail after 20 minutes of play. Shots were 11-10 Vipers.

2nd Period: I don't know if the Snakes were the better team this period, but they did have a bit more edge in play and mostly due to several power plays. The Vipers carried the better of the play, had more puck possession and zone time and that's because they would get four power plays. Vernon struggled with the PP had troubles getting shots on goal and struggled generating or creating any real quality chances with the man advantage. The Vipers needed a goal or two with the PP to get back in the hockey game. Trail saw a lot of time on the PK and in their own end. The Smokies PK was very good, kept Vernon to the outside, limited their time and space, were blocking shots as well as generated a couple of shorthanded looks. Other then getting into penalty trouble, the Smoke Eaters PK and defence was very good. It was 4-1 Trail after 40 minutes of play. Shots were 14-6 Vernon.

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

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Seventeen years ago today (March 27th 2009) Vernon Vipers goaltender Andrew Hammond made 43

saves for the win/shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at Wesbild Centre in Game 3 of the Interior Division Finals. Vernon would eventually win the best of 7 playoff series 4-0.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers Schedule March 2008 - 2009 Playoffs | BCHL League Site

Andrew Hammond's Player Profile:

Andrew Hammond - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Junior Hockey History,

VernonJrAHockey.CA

Game Preview: Trail Smoke Eaters @ Vernon Vipers:

29-22-1-0 Trail Smoke Eaters @ 14-31-7-0 Vernon Vipers 7pm

Tonight is the sixth of seven regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Trail Smoke Eaters. 

Vernon Vipers Regular Season Record/Stats vs the Trail Smoke Eaters since the 2003-04 Regular Season: (League website only goes back as far as

2003-04 season)

Games Played: 134

Wins: 90

Losses: 35

Ties: 1

Overtime Wins: 13

Overtime Losses: 7

Shootout Wins: 3

Shootout Losses: 1

Overtime Record: 13-7

Shootout Record: 3-1

Home Record: 51-11-6-0-0

Road Record: 39-24-1-1-1

The Vernon Vipers are 1-8-1-0 in their last ten regular season games vs the Trail Smoke Eaters

The Vernon Vipers are 1-8-0-1 in their last ten regular season games in Trail

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

Vernon Vipers Sign Bitonti:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 18 year old forward Jonathan Bitonti for the 2026-27 season.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Source: Vernon Vipers X

Vernon Vipers on X: "The Next Chapter in Vipers History. The Vipers have recruited 2008-born forward Jonathan Bitonti (North Vancouver, BC). Right shot From Yale Hockey Academy U18 Prep. #TimeToStrike https://t.co/AQ9O9ohub7" / X

Bitonti was added to the Vernon Vipers preseason roster September 11th 2025 was released after playing one preseason game.

The Western Hockey League Calgary Hitmen signed Bitonti in September 2024 but has never played a game.

Source: www.chl.ca

Hitmen Sign Forward Jonathan Bitonti - Calgary Hitmen

Jonathan Bitonti's Player Profile:

Jonathan Bitonti - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Bieksa Suspended:

Vernon Vipers forward Cole Bieksa has been suspended one game for

receiving an instigator penalty.

Source: www.bchl.ca

Discipline | BCHL League Site

Cole Bieksa's Player Profile:

Cole Bieksa - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers-Brooks Bandits Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Brooks Bandits highlights from March 25th 2026 in front of 1,934 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Source: Brooks Bandits YouTube

Brooks Bandits vs Vernon Vipers Highlights - Mar 25

Former Vipers Brothers Suspended:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Ben Edwards and forward Alex

Edwards have been suspended.

Source: https://www.kijhl.ca/

Discipline | KIJHL - Kootenay International Junior Hockey League

Ben & Alex Edwards and the Kootenay International Junior A Hockey League Grand Forks Border Bruins are down 3-1 in the best of 7 playoff series to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in the Neil Murdoch Division Final. 

Ben Edwards was suspended 2 games is in his fourth season with the Kootenay International Junior A Hockey League Grand Forks Border Bruins attended the Vernon Vipers training camp and started the 2025-26 season with the Vernon Vipers. Edwards played 2 games with the Vipers before he was no longer listed on the teams roster in early October 2025 before being listed on the Kootenay International Junior A Hockey League Grand Forks Border Bruins roster.

Ben Edwards Player Profile:

Ben Edwards - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Alex Edwards was suspended 3 games is in his second season with the Kootenay International Junior A Hockey League Grand Forks Border Bruins attended the Vernon Vipers training camp and started the 2025-26 season with the Vernon Vipers. Edwards played 3 games with the Vipers was placed on the 30-day injured reserve October 3rd 2025 before no longer listed on the teams roster and then listed on the Kootenay International Junior A Hockey League Grand Forks Border Bruins roster.

Alex Edwards Player Profile:

Alex Edwards - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Game Recap - Brooks Bandits 7 Vernon Vipers 2

I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and been watching/following junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. I started and created this blog in November 2008 and have over 6.6 million viewers. I have had season tickets since 1990 and missed 46 home games since. My family watched senior men's hockey in Vernon in the 1950's and have been watching/following junior hockey in Vernon since Vernon got a team in 1961. I have two family members that played junior hockey in Vernon. I have some programs and ticket stubs going back to 1988 but have every program and ticket stub from every game since 1990. I worked with the Vipers as colour commentator for a couple of home games during the 2002-03 season and in 2011 helped create/design the Vipers website that I was in charge of running for five seasons.

I was at tonight's Vernon Vipers-Brooks Bandits game as the Bandits won 7-2 in front of 1,934 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Jesse Sanche
Brooks Bandits: Zach Zahara

1st Period: The visiting Brooks Bandits were the better team and it showed for most of the opening period. The Bandits carried and controlled most of the play, had a ton of puck possession, loads of ice time in the offensive zone, were skating circles around the Vipers, were getting lots of pucks to the net and generated/created a ton of opportunities. The Snakes were outplayed, outworked and outskated for most of the period. Vernon went lengthy periods of time with no shots on goal, struggled defensively, struggled offensively, couldn't make a pass, gave up a ton of shots, lots of opportunities. Jesse Sanche was solid in goal, kept the Vipers in the 1st period with several saves with the Bandits pressing. If it wasn't for Vernon's goaltender, Brooks could have easily been up by five or more goals. It was 3-0 Bandits after 20 minutes of play. Shots were 17-9 Brooks.

2nd Period: The Bandits were the better team for most of the middle frame. Brooks for a second straight period, carried the better of the play, controlled the play, had the puck on their stick most of the period, didn't get as many shots on goal as in the 1st period but generated/created several quality opportunities. The Bandits have a quick transition game, move the puck up ice in a hurry, are also very good on the forecheck, were winning the raves/battles, were strong on pucks, forced the Snakes into turnovers. Vernon for a second straight period struggled for most of the period. The hometown Vipers went well over fifteen minutes without a shot on goal, struggled again defensively and offensively. The Vipers had trouble keeping the puck on their stick once getting through the neutral zone. Vernon with a late two man advantage, didn't record a single shot on goal. Jesse Sanche again kept Vernon in the hockey game with little to no help in front of him. It was 5-0 Brooks after 40 minutes of play. Shots were 11-3 Bandits.

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

Vernon Vipers Hope To Spoil Brooks Bandits Pennant Hopes:

The Vernon Vipers look to spoil the Brooks Bandits pennant hopes.

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Vernon Vipers hope to spoil Brooks’ pennant hopes | Vernon Morning Star

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Vernon Vipers in spoiler mode | Vernon Morning Star

Game Preview: Brooks Bandits @ Vernon Vipers:

35-11-5-0 Brooks Bandits @ 14-30-7-

0 Vernon Vipers 7pm

Tonight is the fourth and final regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Brooks Bandits. 

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

Games Played: 7

Wins: 0

Losses: 7

Overtime Wins: 0

Overtime Losses: 0

Shootout Wins: 0

Shootout Losses: 0

Overtime Record: 0-0

Shootout Record: 0-0

Home Record: 0-3-0-0

Road Record: 0-4-0-0

The Vernon Vipers last regular season win at home vs the Brooks Bandits (The Vipers have never beat Brooks at home)

The Brooks Bandits last regular season win in Vernon was a 7-4 victory on Wednesday, December 10th 2025

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

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Fifteen years ago today (March 24th 2011) Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Hadley

scored at 5:43 of overtime, giving the Vernon Vipers a 3-2 overtime victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in Game 5 of the Interior Conference Finals in front of 2,315 fans at Wesbild Centre.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Salmon Arm Silverbacks @ Vernon Vipers Thursday, March 24, 2011 | BCHL League Site

Aaron Hadley's Player Profile:

Aaron Hadley - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Lis Leaves Lasting Hockey Legacy In Vernon:

Former Vernon Lakers owner Mel Lis recently passed away and his legacy will last in Vernon.

Image credit: Vernon Morning Star

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Lis leaves lasting hockey legacy in Vernon | Vernon Morning Star

Lis owned the Vernon Lakers from 1986-1992 was also president and general manager.

On This Day In Vernon Vipers History:

Twenty one years ago today (March 23rd 2005) Vernon Vipers forward/captain

Mark Nelson scores at 5:57 of the fourth overtime, giving the Vernon Vipers a 3-2 overtime victory over the Penticton Vees in front of 1,933 fans at the Penticton Memorial Arena in Game 4 of the 1st round of the playoffs, winning the best of seven playoff series 4-0.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Penticton Vees Wednesday, March 23, 2005 | BCHL League Site

Marl Nelson's Player Profile:

Mark Nelson - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Former Vernon Lakers Owner Lis Passes Away:

Former Vernon Lakers owner Mel Lis has passed away.

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Mel Lis | Vernon Morning Star

Lis owned the Vernon Lakers from 1986-1992 was also the teams president and general manager.

Under ownership Lis and the Lakers went 219-109-8-6 during the regular season went to four straight Centennial Cups from 1989-1991 winning two Centennial Cups in 1990 & 1991

The Vernon Lakers were one of seven different team names Vernon's junior hockey team had since 1961. The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Dick Suspended:

Vernon Vipers forward Connor Dick has been suspended one game for his major

penalty/game misconduct and an Illegal Check to the Head.

Source: www.bchl.ca

Discipline | BCHL League Site

Connor Dick's Player Profile:

Connor Dick - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers-Brooks Bandits Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Brooks Bandits highlights from March 21st 2026 in front of 1,362 fans at the Centennial Regional Arena.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Source: Brooks Bandits YouTube

Brooks Bandits vs Vernon Vipers Highlights - Mar 21

Iowa Heartlanders Place Ex Viper Coughlin On 3 Day Injured Reserve:

The ECHL Iowa Heartlanders have placed former Vernon Vipers forward

Liam Coughlin on the 3 day injured reserve.

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).

Source: www.echl.com

ECHL Transactions | March 16, 2026

Coughlin is in his first season with the ECHL Iowa Heartlanders. In 33 games, Coughlin has (4-goals-9-assists-13-points).

Coughlin started the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen, his second season in Jacksonville. The Iowa Heartlanders claimed Coughlin off waivers from the Jacksonville Icemen November 27th 2025.

Coughlin played the 2023-24 season with the Iowa Heartlanders, is in his sixth season in the ECHL.

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:

Liam Coughlin - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Game Recap - Brooks Bandits 4 Vernon Vipers 2

The 35-11-5-0 Brooks Bandits defeated the 14-30-7-0 Vernon Vipers 4-2 in front of 1,362 fans at the Centennial Regional Arena.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Brooks Bandits Saturday, March 21, 2026 | BCHL League Site

Game Report,

Game Report

Text Box Score,

Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com

Vernon Junior Hockey History,

VernonJrAHockey.CA

Hussa Suspended:

Blackfalds Bulldogs forward Danny Hussa has been suspended two

games after his major penalty and game misconduct for charging in Blackfalds 6-3 win over Vernon March 20th 2026.

Source: www.bchl.ca

Discipline | BCHL League Site

Danny Hussa's Player Profile:

Daniel Hussa - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers-Blackfalds Bulldogs Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Blackfalds Bulldogs highlights from March 20th 2026 in front of 852 fans at the Eagle Builders Centre.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Source: Blackfalds Bulldogs YouTube

Blackfalds Bulldogs vs Vernon Vipers | Mar 20, 2026 - YouTube

Here is the Blackfalds Bulldogs Post-Game show.

Source: Blackfalds Bulldogs YouTube

Mar 20, 2026 Post Game Show | AC Brady Bakke & Olivér Király

Game Preview: Vernon Vipers @ Brooks Bandits:

14-29-7-0 Vernon Vipers @ 34-11-5-0 Brooks Bandits 6pm

Tonight is the third of four regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Brooks Bandits. 

Vernon Vipers Regular Season Record/Stats vs the Brooks Bandits since 2024 (The Brooks Bandits franchise joined the

BCHL in February 2024)

Games Played: 6

Wins: 0

Losses: 6

Overtime Wins: 0

Overtime Losses: 0

Shootout Wins: 0

Shootout Losses: 0

Overtime Record: 0-0

Shootout Record: 0-0

Home Record: 0-3-0-0

Road Record: 0-3-0-0

The Vernon Vipers last regular season win at home vs the Brooks Bandits (The Vipers have never beat Brooks at home)

The Brooks Bandits last regular season win in Vernon was a 7-4 victory on Wednesday, December 10th 2025

The Vernon Vipers last regular season win in Brooks (The Vipers have never won a game in Brooks)

The Brooks Bandits last regular season win at home vs the Vernon Vipers was a 6-4 victory on Saturday, November 15th 2025

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

Vernon Vipers Eliminated From Playoff Contentions:

For the second time in two seasons and eighth time in franchise history Vernon will not be in the BCHL playoffs after tonight's 6-3 loss to the Blackfalds Bulldogs. With the loss, the Vernon Vipers have been eliminated from playoff contentions.

Vernon Junior Hockey History,

VernonJrAHockey.CA

League Standings:

British Columbia Hockey League Team Stats 2025-26 Regular Season | BCHL League Site

Previous Vernon junior hockey teams who didn't make the playoffs.

1977-78 Vernon Vikings 10-56-0 record
1980-81 Vernon Lakers 8-48-0 record
1981-82 Vernon Lakers 10-36-1 record
2000-01 Vernon Vipers 24-26-10 record
2011-12 Vernon Vipers 30-29-1 record
2012-13 Vernon Vipers 21-34-1 record
2024-25 Vernon Vipers 15-33-6-0 record 
2025-26 Vernon Vipers 14-29-7-0 record

Game Recap - Blackfalds Bulldogs 6 Vernon Vipers 3

The 36-14-1-0 Blackfalds Bulldogs defeated the 14-29-7-0 Vernon Vipers 6-3 in front of 852 fans at the Eagle Builders Centre.

Boxscore-Game Summary,

Vernon Vipers @ Blackfalds Bulldogs Friday, March 20, 2026 | BCHL League Site

Game Report,

Game Report

Text Box Score,

Official statistics powered by LeagueStat.com

Vernon Junior Hockey History,

VernonJrAHockey.CA

Vernon Vipers With Must Win Tonight:

To get into the BCHL playoffs, the Vernon Vipers will have to win their final five regular season games and have the Cranbrook Bucks lose their final three regular season games.

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Vernon Vipers face first of 5 straight must-win contests | Vernon Morning Star

Source: www.castanet.net

Vernon Vipers must win five in a row to make the playoffs - Castanet.net

Game Preview: Vernon Vipers @ Blackfalds Bulldogs:

14-28-7-0 Vernon Vipers @ 35-14-1-0 Blackfalds Bulldogs 6pm

Tonight is the fourth and final regular season meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Blackfalds Bulldogs.

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

Games Played: 7

Wins: 3

Losses: 3

Overtime Wins: 1

Overtime Losses: 0

Shootout Wins: 0

Shootout Losses: 0

Overtime Record: 1-0

Shootout Record: 0-0

Home Record: 2-2-0-0

Road Record: 2-1-0-0

The Vernon Vipers last regular season win at home vs the Blackfalds Bulldogs was a 5-4 overtime victory on Saturday, December 20th 2025

The Blackfalds Bulldogs last regular season win in Vernon was a 4-1 victory on Friday, February 20th 2026

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