Thursday, August 23, 2018

Ready For The Puck Drop:

This is posted on Castanet.net

Ready for the puck drop

Darren Handschuh - Aug 23, 2018 

The Vernon Vipers wrapped up training camp Thursday as they get ready for the 2018-19 BC Hockey League season.

Coach Mark Ferner has been putting the new crop of players through the paces all week.

“When you start camp you are a little nervous with the unknown, but all our veterans came back in great shape. They looked really good out there,” said Ferner as the players wrapped up practice Thursday morning.

One of those returning players is Lumby product and fan favourite Jagger Williamson.

“We're very happy. He's been an extremely good player for us over the past few years. Coming in, this will be his fifth year which is kind of unheard of. Obviously he's our captain this year and was captain last year,” said Ferner, adding Jesse Lansdell will also be back on the ice this season.

One name missing from the roster this year is beloved team owner Duncan Wray who tragically passed away last season at the age of 68.

Wray bought the Vipers 26 years ago and was highly respected in the league.

Ferner said members of the Wray family attended the training camp, that it was an emotional time.

“We as coaches and an organization have to put a product on the ice and he's always around, we know that, but we're trying to focus on what kind of product we're going to have on the ice. But it was a tough thing. It was certainly a little bit different,” said Ferner.

The Vipers will play a home-and-home series of exhibition games this weekend against the Merritt Centennials.


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