Bloomington Bison Add Ex Viper Forward MacDonald To Season-Ending Roster:

The ECHL Bloomington Bison have  have twenty players listed on their

Season-Ending Roster, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Ayden MacDonald.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

Source: https://echl.com/

Official Site of The ECHL | ECHL announces Season-Ending Rosters

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).

MacDonald spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Bloomington Bison. The Bison signed MacDonald October 3rd 2025. In 55 games, MacDonald collected (10-goals-9-assists-19-points).

MacDonald spent the 2024-25 season with the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings, ECHL Maine Mariners, ECHL Allen Americans & Rapaces de Gap (a French ice hockey team that is based in Gap).

The Bison are MacDonald's sixth team since 2022. MacDonald played five years at Brock University from 2017-2022 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits January 4th 2022.

MacDonald committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2014-15 season. The Vipers traded MacDonald & Jake Emilio to the Victoria Grizzlies October 8th 2014 for Brandon Egli, Mitch Meek and future considerations. MacDonald went pointless in 5 games with the Vipers. MacDonald played parts of four years in the BCHL with Surrey, Vernon, Victoria and Cowichan from 2013-2017. 

Ayden MacDonald's Player Profile:

Ayden MacDonald - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Wilderness Select Kanat at NAHL Entry Draft:

The North American Hockey League Minnesota Wilderness have

selected Vernon Vipers goaltender Oliver Kanat 31st overall in Round 1 of the NAHL Entry Draft.

Source: www.wildernesshockey.com

Wilderness Tap Into Familiar Place for First Pick of Entry Draft | MINNESOTA WILDERNESS

Kanat spent the 2025-26 season with the Vernon Vipers. Kanat attended the Vernon Vipers training camp, later signed with the team September 14th 2025. In 27 games with the Vernon Vipers, Kanat went 6-13 with a 3.51 GAA

Oliver Kanat's Player Profile:

Oliver Kanat - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers Unveil New Look Ahead Of 2026-27 Season:

The Vernon Vipers unveiled a new look heading into the 2026-27 season.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Source: www.vernonvipers.com

Vipers Unveil New Look Ahead of 2026-27 Season | Vernon Vipers

The Vernon Vipers released a promo video regarding the new look heading into the 2026-27 season.

Source: Vernon Vipers YouTube

Vernon Vipers: New Era. Same Venom. - YouTube

The Vernon Vipers unveiled their new jerseys for the 2026-27 season.

Source: Vernon Vipers X

Vernon Vipers on X: "Suit up for what's next. New era. Same venom. Pre-order your new jerseys now at https://t.co/kXFodxJf5r #newerasamevenom https://t.co/OaCX7bMvaB" / X

Thunder Add Former Vernon Viper Tufto To Season-Ending Roster:

The ECHL Adirondack Thunder have twenty players listed on their

Season-Ending Roster, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Odeen Tufto.

Season-Ending Rosters may include up to 20 players. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2025-26.

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: https://echlthunder.com/

Adirondack Thunder | THUNDER ANNOUNCE SEASON-ENDING ROSTER

Tufto split the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets & DEL2 Ravensburg Towerstars.

Tufto started the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets, his second season with the Komets. Tufto was placed on team suspension December 18th 2025, later returned to the team before being traded to ECHL Adirondack Thunder January 1st 2026. Tufto didn't report to the Thunder. Tufto was in his fifth season in the ECHL and the Thunder were his fifth team. Tufto would later sign with the Ravensburg Towerstars. The Towerstars are a professional ice hockey team based in Ravensburg, Germany.

Tufto played four seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2017-2021 before signing his first professional contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning March 31st 2021. The Lightning assigned Tufto to the American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch after his college season ended in 2021. Tufto has never played a game with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tufto played one season in Vernon with the 2015-16 Vernon Vipers. In 57 games with the Vipers, Tufto collected (25-goals-40-assists-65-points). Tufto left the Vipers after one season for the United States Hockey League. Tufto played one season in the USHL with Fargo, Tri-City & Sioux City before committing to Quinnipiac University for the 2017-18 season.

Odeen Tufto's Player Profile:

Odeen Tufto - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

The Awakening Begins:

The Snake Pit awakens

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Source: Vernon Vipers X

Vernon Vipers on X: "The awakening begins👁️ #bchl #vernonvipers #countdown https://t.co/ZYFKxLn6SY" / X

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Langley-Powell River Trade:

Kings Acquire Tuukka Heiskanen from the Rivermen | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Warriors Name Jonker New Social Media Coordinator:

West Kelowna Warriors on X: "We’re excited to welcome Emma Jonker to the team as our new Social Media Coordinator. Emma leads social media across the West Kelowna Warriors, Oliver Outlaws, and the OKHC, creating content and providing coverage throughout the season. Welcome to the organizations, Emma! https://t.co/2GObsmIh2Q" / X

Saints Sign Woods For 2026-27 Season:

NEWS: Saints Add Patrick Woods (’07) To Roster for 2026-27 Season | Spruce Grove Saints

Road Heavy Start Awaits Grizzlies As Schedule Is Released:

Road-heavy start awaits Victoria Grizzlies as BCHL schedule is released | Victoria News

Chiefs Name Revel New Assistant Coach & Assistant General Manager:

Chilliwack Chiefs Name Matt Revel Assistant Coach & Assistant General Manager | Chilliwack Chiefs

Powell River Kings Sign Greenough For 2026-27 Season:

Powell River Kings Sign Offensive Defenseman Landon Greenough | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Warriors Name Butchart New Corporate Partnerships Account Representative:

West Kelowna Warriors on X: "We’re excited to welcome Kyle Butchart to the team as our new Corporate Partnerships Account Representative. Interested in partnering with the Warriors or Outlaws? Reach out to Kyle at kyle@westkelownawarriors.com to learn how your business can get involved. https://t.co/iX0qA9PwFV" / X

Cowichan-Sherwood Park Trade:

Cowichan Capitals Acquire Jaden VanWalleghem from Sherwood Park | Cowichan Capitals

Izadi Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters For 2026-27 Season:

Smokies Add NAHL Forward Ty Izadi | Trail Smoke Eaters

Yeaman Leaves Brooks Bandits:

Brooks Bandits Thank Terri-Lea Yeaman After 12 Seasons with the Organization | Brooks Bandits

Clippers Sign Carrier For 2026-27 Season:

Carrier Joins Clippers Ahead of 2026-27 Season | Nanaimo Clippers

Blackfalds Bulldogs Sign Lukkarinen For 2026-27 Season:

Blackfalds Bulldogs Sign Tim-Kristian Lukkarinen | Blackfalds Bulldogs

Kalamazoo Wings Add Former Vernon Viper Skirving To Protected List:

The ECHL Kalamazoo Wings have thirty players listed on their Protected

List, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Todd Skirving.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

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: https://echl.com

Official Site of The ECHL | ECHL announces Protected Lists

Skirving spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings. The Wings signed Skirving September 29th 2025. The Wings are Skirving's seventh professional team. In 29 games, Skirving collected (0-goals-3-assists-3-points).

Skirving spent the 2024-25 season as captain with the ECHL Reading Royals.

Skirving played four years at Rochester Institute of Technology from 2013-2017 before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears August 3rd 2017.

Skirving committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2010-11 season. Skirving played with the 2010-11 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers traded Skirving and future considerations to the Prince George Spruce Kings January 10th 2011 for Ryan Renz. In 34 games with the Vipers, Skirving collected (4-goals-5-assists-9-points).

Todd Skirving's Player Profile:

Todd Skirving - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

30 Years In The Making

A new era begins..... The Vernon Vipers will be making an announcement on July 20th 2026

Source: Vernon Vipers YouTube

30 Years In The Making - YouTube

Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame:

The 2008-09 & 2009-10 National Champion Vernon Vipers were

inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame July 11th 2026 in Penticton.

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Vernon Vipers squads inducted into Hall of Fame | Vernon Morning Star

Everblades Add Vipers Alumni Lansdell To Protected List:

The ECHL Florida Everblades have twenty four players listed on their

Protected List, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Jesse Lansdell.

Source: https://www.floridaeverblades.com/

Florida Everblades | Everblades Announce Protected List for 2026-27 Season

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

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).

Lansdell spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Florida Everblades, his third season with the Everblades. In 69 games, Lansdell collected (11-goals-21-assists-32-points).

Lansdell played four seasons at the University of Notre Dame from 2019-2023 before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the 2023-24 season. Lansdell signed his first professional contract with the ECHL Florida Everblades April 1st 2024.

Lansdell played parts of three seasons with the Vernon Vipers from 2016-2019. The Vipers traded defenceman Mitch Oliver October 15th 2016 to the Chilliwack Chiefs for Jesse Lansdell. In 127 games with the Vipers, Lansdell collected (31-goals-60-assists-91-points).

Jesse Lansdell's Player Profile:

Jesse Lansdell - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

One Chapter Closes:

Every chapter leaves its mark.

Source: Vernon Vipers X

(1) Vernon Vipers on X: "Every chapter leaves its mark 📖 #bchl #vernonvipers #countdown https://t.co/oJpcjhUZ6C" / X

Canadiens Draft Former Viper Cleaves:

The Montreal Canadiens selected former Vernon Vipers defenceman

Cooper Cleaves in the third round, 93rd overall, at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Source: https://vernonmorningstar.com/

Habs high on former Vernon Vipers defenceman | Vernon Morning Star

Source: https://www.castanet.net/

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman selected by Montreal Canadiens in NHL Draft - Castanet.net

Cleaves spent the 2025-26 season at Dartmouth College. Cleaves & Dartmouth College won the ECAC Hockey Championship in March. In 30 games, Cleaves collected (4-goals-6-assists-10-points).

Cleaves split the 2024-25 season with the Vernon Vipers and the United States Hockey League Green Bay Gamblers.

Cleaves played parts of two seasons with the 2023-24 Vernon Vipers and the 2024-25 Vernon Vipers. Cleaves started the 2023-24 season with the Vernon Vipers, played in 6 games before returning to his high school team for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Cleaves committed to the Vernon Vipers January 17th 2024 for the 2024-25 season, left the team in December 2024 for the United States Hockey League Green Bay Gamblers. In 35 games with the Vipers, Cleaves collected (3-goals-13-assists-16-points).

Cooper Cleaves Player Profile:

Cooper Cleaves - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Iowa Heartlanders Add Ex Viper Coughlin To Protected List:

The ECHL Iowa Heartlanders have twenty nine players listed on their

Protected List, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Liam Coughlin.

Source: https://echl.com/news

Official Site of The ECHL | ECHL announces Protected Lists

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

The ECHL announced March 9th 2026 that the League’s Board of Governors has approved the request of the Iowa Heartlanders’ Membership for a Voluntary Suspension for the 2026-27 Season.

Source: www.echl.com/news

Official Site of The ECHL | ECHL announces Voluntary Suspension of Iowa Membership for 2026-27 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).

Coughlin spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Iowa Heartlanders. In 46 games, Coughlin collected (6-goals-10-assists-16-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.

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

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Mahoney Commits To Spruce Kings For 2026-27 Season:

Spruce Kings Commit to Max Mahoney | Prince George Spruce Kings

Chilliwack Chiefs Name kikuchi Athletic Therapist:

Chilliwack Chiefs Welcome Tracie Kikuchi as Athletic Therapist | Chilliwack Chiefs

Powell River Kings Sign Schaefer Twins for 2026-27 Season:

Grady and Jackson Schaefer to join the Kings for 2026-27 season | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Donald Leaves Bucks For Western Hockey League:

Thank You, Ryan Donald | Cranbrook Bucks

West Kelowna Warriors Open Regular Season September 18th:

West Kelowna Warriors kick off new BCHL season at home Sept. 18 - Castanet.net

Alberni Valley Bulldogs To Celebrate 25th Anniversary:

2026/2027 Season Schedule Announced! The Countdown Begins… | Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Brooks Bandits Name McCuaig New Physiotherapist & Dressing Room Manager:

Bandits Hire Caitlin McCuaig as New Physiotherapist and Dressing Room Manager | Brooks Bandits

Kings Sign Pue For 2026-27 Season:

Powell River Kings Sign Forward Landon Pue | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Spruce Grove Saints Sign Zuyev For 2026-27 Season:

NEWS: Saints Add Michael Zuyev (’07) To Roster for 2026-27 Season | Spruce Grove Saints

Warrnick Returns To Grizzlies:

Warnick Returns for Final Junior Season | Victoria Grizzlies Jr Hockey Club

Hammond Named Broadcaster Of The Year:

Alberni Valley’s Evan Hammond named 2025-26 Broadcaster of the Year | BCHL League Site

Kings Sign Tran For 2026-27 Season:

Powell River Kings Sign Forward Jordan Tran | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

A New Era Arrives:

The future is in sight. A new era arrives July 20th 2026.

Source: Vernon Vipers X

(1) Vernon Vipers on X: "Eye on the future⏳ #bchl #vernonvipers #countdown https://t.co/X9OPvATwix" / X

Kitzbühel EC Signs Livsics:

EC Die Adler

 Stadtwerke Kitzbuhel has signed Vernon Vipers forward Davids Livsics.

EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbuhel is a professional hockey team from Kitzbuhel, Austira.

Source: Vernon Vipers Facebook

Facebook

Livsics spent the 2025-26 season with the Vernon Vipers. In 52 games, Livsics collected (11-goals-16-assists-27-points). The Vernon Vipers traded forward Finn Kallay and a Player Development fee to the Langley Rivermen September 11th 2025 for Davids Livsics.

Davids Livsics Player Profile:

Davids Livsics - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Cyclones Add Vipers Alumni Felton To Protected List:

The ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones have twenty five players listed

on their Protected List, one is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Christian Felton.

Source: https://echl.com/news

Official Site of The ECHL | ECHL announces Protected Lists

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

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).

Felton split the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Utah Grizzlies, ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones & American Hockey League Abbotsford Canucks. The Grizzlies signed Felton September 16th 2025 traded Felton to the Cyclones February 17th 2026. In 5 games with the Cyclones, Felton collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points). 

Felton split the 2024-25 season with the American Hockey League Abbotsford Canucks & the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings.

Felton spent three seasons at Merrimack College from 2021-2024 before signing his first professional contract with the Vancouver Canucks March 14th 2024. The American Hockey League Abbotsford Canucks signed Felton March 15th 2024.

Felton committed to Bentley University in November 2019 transferred from Bentley University to Merrimack College in June 2021.

Felton played one season in Vernon with the 2019-20 Vernon Vipers. Felton committed to the Vernon Vipers for the 2019-20 season in June 2019. In 50 games with the Vipers, Felton collected (5-goals-10-assists-15-points).

Christian Felton's Player Profile:

Christian Felton - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers Release 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule:

The BC Hockey League released it's 2026-27 regular season schedule on July 7th 2026.

Source: www.bchl.ca

BCHL announces 2026-27 regular season schedule | BCHL League Site

The Vernon Vipers will open the 2026-27 regular season September 18th in Salmon Arm.

Source: www.vernonvipers.com

Vernon Vipers Unveil 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule | Vernon Vipers

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Vernon Vipers release 2026-27 BCHL schedule | Vernon Morning Star

Vernon Vipers 2026-27 regular season schedule:

Source: www.bchl.ca

Vernon Vipers Schedule All Months 2026-27 Regular Season | BCHL League Site

On This Day In Vernon Junior Hockey History:

Forty six years ago today (July 8th 1980) The Vernon Daily News released an article that Hank Aarsen has been named the new General Manager of Vernon's junior hockey team for the 1980-81 season while Russ Newton was named Head Coach. In June 1980 league governors voted to readmit Vernon back into the British Columbia Junior Hockey League after the Vernon Canadians took a leave of absence for the 1979-80 season. At this time heading into the 1980-81 season the current team still has yet to announce a name. 

Source: Vernon Daily News

1980-07-08VDN.pdf

Source: www.vernonjuniorahockey.ca

VernonJrAHockey.CA

Vernon has had seven different team names over the years since joining the league in 1961.

McMillan Wins Kyle Turris Community Award:

Vernon Vipers forward/captain Deagan McMillan was named the Vernon Vipers winner of the BCHL Kyle Turris Community Award.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Source: www.bchl.ca

BCHL announces 2025-26 Interior Conference winners of Kyle Turris Community Award, presented by Rogers | BCHL League Site

Source: www.vernonmorningstar.com

Community honour for Vernon Vipers captain | Vernon Morning Star

McMillan spent the 2025-26 season with the Vernon Vipers. In 42 games, McMillan collected (21-goals-21-assists-42-points).

McMillan spent the previous four seasons in the Western Hockey League with Victoria, Tri-Cities & Wenatchee before signing with the Vernon Vipers September 7th 2025.

Deagan McMillan's Player Profile:

Deagan McMillan - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Spruce Grove Saints Sign Bent For 2026-27 Season:

NEWS: Saints Add Cole Bent (’08) To Roster for 2026-27 Season | Spruce Grove Saints

Kings Sign Friesen For 2026-27 Season:

Powell River Kings Sign Defenseman Jeremy Friesen | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Capitals Sign Maillet For 2026-27 Season:

Cowichan Capitals sign goaltender Evan Maillet | Cowichan Capitals

Nanaimo Clippers Sign Laring For 2026-27 Season:

Nanaimo Clippers Sign Swedish Goaltender Hugo Laring | Nanaimo Clippers

Salmon Arm-Prince George Trade:

SILVERBACKS ACQUIRE FORWARD VITAL DINIS FROM PRINCE GEORGE | Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Sherwood Park-Okotoks Trade:

Oilers acquire 2006-born forward Brec Christenson from Sherwood Park | Okotoks Oilers

Saints Sign McNeil For 2026-27 Season:

NEWS: Saints Add Gavin McNeil (’07) To Roster for 2026-27 Season | Spruce Grove Saints

BC Hockey League Looking To Expand Further Into Alberta:

BC Hockey League looking to expand further into Alberta markets as part of growth plan | rdnewsnow.com

Brooks-Powell River Trade:

Bandits Trade Mark Konstantinov to Powell River | Brooks Bandits

Capitals Sign Leduc For 2026-27 Season:

Cowichan Capitals sign MJHL Champion Loik Leduc | Cowichan Capitals

Sorensen Leaves Brooks Bandits - Signs With Kelowna Rockets:

Rockets Sign Defenceman Dane Sorensen to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement - Kelowna Rockets

Kings Sign Ernst For 2026-27 Season:

Powell River Kings Sign Forward Jackson Ernst | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Tulsa Oilers Add Ex Viper McNelly To Protected List:

The ECHL Tulsa Oilers have thirty four players listed on their

Protected List, one is former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cade McNelly.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

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).

Souce: https://tulsaoilers.com/

Tulsa Oilers | TULSA OILERS RELEASE ECHL-APPROVED PROTECTED LIST

McNelly spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Tulsa Oilers, his second season with the Oilers. In 41 games, McNelly collected (3-goals-0-assists-3-points).

McNelly played one season at SAIT (Southern AB Inst. of Tech) during the 2022-23 season before 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. The Oilers added McNelly to their training camp roster October 7th 2024 before suspending McNelly October 15th 2024. The Oilers signed McNelly December 19th 2024 upon visa approval.

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.

McNelly played parts of one season in Vernon with the 2021-22 Vernon Vipers. The Vernon 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:

Cade McNelly - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Something BIG Is Coming!

If you are a Vernon Vipers season ticket holder and are a VIP member you probably received this email on July 3rd 2026.

From: Vernon Vipers

July 3, 2026

There’s a different feeling around the rink this summer.

Something has been taking shape behind the scenes—something we've been working on for months. It's bold. It's exciting. And it's going to mark the beginning of an unforgettable new chapter for the Vernon Vipers.

While we're not quite ready to share all the details just yet, we can promise this: when the curtain is pulled back, you'll see a team that's ready to embrace the future while proudly carrying forward the passion and tradition that has made Vipers hockey such an important part of our community.

As a valued VIP nenber, you're at the heart of everything we do. That's why we wanted you to be among the first to know that something special is on the horizon. The excitement is building, and you won't want to miss the moment when everything is revealed.

The 2026–27 season isn't just another hockey season—it's the start of something bigger. A fresh energy. A renewed commitment. An incredible game-day experience that every fan will want to be a part of from opening night.

Now is the perfect time to secure your season tickets and guarantee your seat for every hit, every goal, every rivalry, and every unforgettable moment. Trust us—you'll want to say you were there from the very beginning.

Stay tuned. The countdown has officially begun!

Something big is coming.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Announce Home Opener vs Vernon Vipers:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks announced June 29th the teams 2026 home opener will be September 18th vs the Vernon Vipers.

Image credit: Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Source: Salmon Arm Silverbacks Facebook

Facebook

Wichita Thunder Mutually Part Ways With Former Vernon Lakers Captain Ramsay:

The ECHL Wichita Thunder & former Vernon Lakers forward/captain Bruce

Ramsay have mutually parted ways.

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: https://wichitathunder.com/

Wichita Thunder | Thunder, Ramsay Mutually Part Ways

Ramsay spent the past seven seasons as Head Coach/GM with the ECHL Wichita Thunder, was the winningest Head Coach in Wichita Thunder history with his 200th victory in a 5-1 win over Kansas City November 29th 2025. Ramsay was named the ECHL Coach of the Year in 2021.

Ramsay played sixteen seasons of professional hockey before retiring in 2005. Ramsay has spent twenty seven seasons coaching in the ACHL, UHL, IHL, CHL, AHL & ECHL with four different teams (Muskegon, Tulsa, Grand Rapids and Wichita).

Ramsay played one season in Vernon with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers. In 53 games with the Lakers, Ramsay collected (11-goals-11-assists-22-points). Ramsay was captain of the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers that hosted and won the 1990 Centennial Cup.

The Vernon Lakers were one of seven different team names Vernon's junior hockey team has had since 1961. The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1996.

Bruce Ramsay's Player/Coaching Profile:

Bruce Ramsay Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Tahoe Knight Monsters Add Former Vipers Captain Marritt To Protected List:

The ECHL Tahoe Knight Monsters have twenty three players listed on their

Protected List, one is former Vernon Vipers forward/captain Connor Marritt.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

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: https://knightmonstershockey.com/

Knight Monsters Announce Protected List

Marritt spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Tahoe Knight Monsters. The Knight Monsters signed Marritt August 12th 2025. In 48 games, Marritt collected (7-goals-10-assists-17-points).

Marritt spent the 2024-25 season at the University of Alaska Anchorage, before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Tahoe Knight Monsters August 12th 2025.

Marritt played the past five seasons at the University of Northern Michigan & University of Alaska Anchorage from 2020-2025. Marritt transferred from Northern Michigan University to the University of Alaska Anchorage for the 2022-23 season. Marritt was captain of the Seawolves the past two seasons.

Marritt played three seasons in Vernon from 2017-2020. Marritt was captain of the Vipers during the 2019-20 season, his final season of Junior hockey. In 165 games with the Vipers, Marritt collected (35-goals-62-assists-97-points).

Connor Marritt's Player Profile:

Connor Marritt - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Dick Commits To University Of Alberta:

Vernon Vipers forward Connor Dick has committed to the University of Alberta

Golden Bears.

Source: Vernon Vipers X Page

Vernon Vipers on X: "U of A Bound! Congratulations to Connor Dick on his commitment to @GBHKY . The Sherwood Park native will return home to continue his hockey and academic career with the Golden Bears. #TimeToStrike https://t.co/ceSlrnNWYC" / X

Dick split the 2025-26 season with the Chilliwack Chiefs & Vernon Vipers.

Dick played parts of the past four seasons with the AJHL Blackfalds Bulldogs, BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs and Vernon Vipers.

The Chilliwack Chiefs traded Connor Dick and the playing rights to Ben Bowan to the Vernon Vipers January 29th 2026 for defenceman Edvin Nilsson. In 18 games with the Vernon Vipers, Dick collected (5-goals-5-assists-10-points).

Connor Dick's Player Profile:

Connor Dick - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Stingrays Add Vipers Alumni Taylor To Protected List:

The ECHL South Carolina Stingrays have seventeen players listed on their

Protected List, one is former Vernon Vipers goaltender Ty Taylor.

Teams are allowed to protect as many players as they wish provided the players protected meet the guidelines as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

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: https://stingrayshockey.com/

South Carolina Stingrays | STINGRAYS ANNOUNCE 2026 PROTECTED LIST

Taylor split the 2025-26 season with the SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers, ECHL South Carolina Stingrays & American Hockey League Hershey Bears.

Taylor started the 2025-26 season with the ECHL Rapid City Rush. The Rush invited Taylor to training camp on a tryout in early October 2025, Taylor was released October 8th 2025 before the SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers added Taylor to the teams opening roster October 16th 2025. Taylor left the Ice Flyers, signing with the ECHL South Carolina Stingrays December 7th 2026. The American Hockey League Hershey Bears signed Taylor to a professional tryout contract February 18th 2026, was released/returned to South Carolina February 20th 2026. 

Taylor started the 2024-25 season with the ECHL Utah Grizzlies. Taylor was invited to the Grizzlies training camp in October 2024 on a try-out. Taylor never played a game with the Grizzlies was released before the 2024-25 season started. Taylor split the 2024-25 season with the SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts, ECHL Orlando Solar Bears & ECHL Reading Royals.

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 was drafted 214th overall in Round 7 by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The Lightning traded Taylor March 6th 2024 to the Anaheim Ducks, the Ducks then traded Taylor March 6th 2024 to the Edmonton Oilers in a three team trade. Taylor has yet to play a game with the Oilers.

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:

Ty Taylor - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Vernon Vipers Announce Home Opener:

The Vernon Vipers announced June 29th the teams home opener will be September 26th vs the West Kelowna Warriors.

Source: www.vernonvipers.com

Home Opener Locked In: Vipers Host West Kelowna Sept. 26 | Vernon Vipers

The Vernon Vipers went 2-5-0-0 vs West Kelowna Warriors during the 2025-26 season.

The BCHL 2026-27 regular season schedule is expected to be announced within the next coming weeks.

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Netherton Commits To Prince George For 2026-27 Season:

Spruce Kings Commit to Asher Netherton | Prince George Spruce Kings

Blackfalds Bulldogs Sign Laugalis For 2026-27 Season:

Bulldogs Sign Herberts Laugalis | Blackfalds Bulldogs

Nemis Leaves Capitals-Signs With Kamloops Blazers:

Blazers sign 20-year-old BCHL forward Nemis | CFJC Today Kamloops

2026 BCHL Annual General Meeting Recap:

2026 Annual General Meeting Recap | BCHL League Site

Kings Strengthen Hockey Leadership With Key Appointments:

Powell River Kings Strengthen Hockey Leadership with Key Appointments | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Smoke Eaters Name Evin New Associate Coach-Assistant GM & Skills Director:

Alex Evin named Associate Coach, Assistant GM & Skills Director | Trail Smoke Eaters

Hawthornthwaite Commits To Spruce Kings For 2026-27 Season:

Spruce Kings Commit to Charles Hawthornthwaite | Prince George Spruce Kings

Bucks Renew 5 Year Lease With City Of Cranbrook:

Bucks Renew 5 Year Lease with City of Cranbrook | Cranbrook Bucks

Bulldogs Sign Kaufman For 2026-27 Season:

Bulldogs Sign Josh Kaufman | Blackfalds Bulldogs

Brooks-Langley Trade:

Brooks Bandits acquire forward Van Tassel from Langley Rivermen | CHAT News Today

Powell River Kings Sign Mikan For 2026-27 Season:

Powell River Kings sign Forward Michael Mikan | Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club

Spruce Kings Likely To Fold Without New Arena:

Prince George Spruce Kings likely to fold without new arena, general manager warns | CBC News