Vernon Vipers Name Elliott Captain:

The Vernon Vipers have named defencemen Connor Elliott captain for the 2023-24 season.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vernon Vipers Announce 2023-2024 Leadership Group | Vernon Vipers

Vernon Vipers 2023-24 Roster:

With the 2023-24 BCHL regular season set to open September 22nd it looks like the Vernon Vipers have picked their 25 man roster.

Here is the Vernon Vipers 2023-24 roster from the league website,

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

Goaltenders:

Colin Reay 05 (Committed-Played with Drayton Valley last season)
Ethan David 03 (Returning from last season)

Defencemen:

Jordin Palmer 04 (Committed)
Cooper Cleaves 06
Isaac Fecteau 05 (Committed)
Linden Burrett 06 (Committed)
Maks Percic 04 (Committed)
Connor Elliott 03 (Returning from last season)
Lukas McCloskey 05 (Committed-Played with Wenatchee last season)
Anthony Cliche 03 (Returning from last season)

Forwards:

Julian Facchinelli 04 (Returning from last season)
Georgios Stavrianeas 05 (Committed)
Owen King 05 (Committed)
Liam Payne 06 (Committed)
Luke Buss 03 (Played with the 2021-22 Vernon Vipers)
Jiri Duda 05 (Committed)
Erik Pastro 05 (Committed)
Adam Csabi 05 (Committed)
Owen Kim 04 (Acquired in trade June 29th with Langley)
Walker Gelbard 05 (Acquired in trade June 29th with Langley)
Hank Cleaves 03 (Returning from last season)
Bronson Ross 06 (Committed)
Shea Busch 07 (Committed)
Luke Pakulak 03 (Returning from last season)
Isaac Tremblay 04 (Returning from last season)

Silver Knights Name Ex Viper Kisio New Assistant Coach:

The American Hockey League Henderson Silver Knights have

named former Vernon Vipers forward Brent Kisio new Assistant Coach.

Here is the press release from the  Henderson Silver Knights website,

SILVER KNIGHTS ANNOUNCE HIRING OF ASSISTANT COACH BRENT KISIO - Henderson Silver Knights

Here is the press release from the Lethbridge Hurricanes website,

Kisio Leaves Hurricanes, Accepts Pro Job - Lethbridge Hurricanes (chl.ca)

Kisio spent the past eight seasons as Head Coach with the Western Hockey League Lethbridge Hurricanes.

In January Kisio was an Assistant Coach with Team Canada that won Gold at the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship.

In his first season with the Hurricanes, Kisio lead the Hurricanes to a 46-24-1-1 record during the 2015-16 season, helping the Hurricanes back to the playoffs after a six year absence. Kisio lead the Hurricanes to their first Central Division Championship since 1996-97 while being named the Eastern Conference's nominee for Coach of the year.

Kisio also coached the 2016 Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2017 Canada National Men's Summer Under-18 team that won the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in 2017. Kisio was an Assistant Coach with Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships & an Assistant Coach with Team WHL, that competed against Russia at the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series & Head Coach of Canada's National Under-18 Canadian Team in 2021.

Kisio played four seasons at the University of Nebraska before retiring from hockey in 2007 the same year he joined the Western Hockey League Calgary Hitmen.

Kisio was a Video Coach, Assistant Coach, Associate Coach & Assistant GM for eight seasons with the Western Hockey League Calgary Hitmen from 2007-2015 before being named Head Coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes June 4th 2015.

Kisio played one season in Vernon with the 2002-03 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers acquired Kisio in August 2002 in a trade with the Alberta Junior Hockey League Fort McMurray Oil Barrons. In 59 games with the Vipers, Kisio collected (20-goals-46-assists-66-points).

Brent Kisio's Player/Coaching Profile:

Brent Kisio - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Up My Hockey Podcast With Former Vernon Viking Stein:

Up My Hockey Podcast sits down with former Vernon Vikings forward Marty Stein.

Here is the interview from Up My Hockey with Jason Podollan on YouTube,

EP.97 - Up My Hockey Podcast - Marty Stein - Buffalo Sabres Scout - YouTube

Podollan was drafted 31st overall in round 2 of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers. Podollan played with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders before retiring from professional hockey in 2006. Podollan was a part time color commentator with the 2022-23 Vernon Vipers.

Jason Podollan's Player Profile:

Jason Podollan - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Stein is in his third season as a Western Canada Scout with the Buffalo Sabres. Before joining the Sabres, Stein spent twenty four seasons as Amateur Scout with the Detroit Red Wings.

Stein played two seasons in Vernon (1973-1975) with the Vernon Vikings. In two years with the Vernon Vikings Stein collected (38-goals-59-assists-97-points).

The Vernon Vikings were around from 1973-1978 before changing their name to the Vernon Canadians in 1978.

Marty Stein's Staff Profile:

Marty Stein Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Vernon Vipers Trim Roster To 25

The Vernon Vipers have trimmed their roster from 26 to 25 players. No official press release from the Vernon Vipers but forward Marcello Giorgi 05 is no longer listed on the teams roster. 

Here is the Vernon Vipers 2023-24 roster from the BCHL website,

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

Marcello Giorgi's Player Profile:

Marcello Giorgi - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Bucks Name Siembida New Assistant Coach:

Bucks add Josh Siembida to 2023-24 coaching staff | Cranbrook Bucks

Alberni Valley Bulldogs 2022-23 Top 5 Goals:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs - Top 5 Goals of the 2022-23 Season - YouTube

Brooks Bandits Sign Hicks:

Bandits sign 2005-born goaltender Johnny Hicks | Brooks Bandits

Next Generation: Surrey Eagles

Next Generation: Surrey Eagles | BCHL League Site

Clippers Name Burgmann Head Scout & Director of Player Personal:

Josh Burgmann Rising Through The Ranks | Nanaimo Clippers

Warriors/Clippers Alumni Needs Help After Death Of Parents:

West Kelowna, Nanaimo BCHL alumni needs help after death of parents - Salmon Arm Observer (saobserver.net)

Powell River Kings Name Lee New Associate Coach:

Dwight Lee named new associate coach | Powell River Kings Junior A Hockey Club

Next Generation: Chilliwack Chiefs

Next Generation: Chilliwack Chiefs | BCHL League Site

Meet Penticton Vees Brotherly Duo:

From Ontario to B.C.: Meet the Penticton Vees’ newest brotherly duo - Penticton Western News

Coquitlam Express 2022-23 Top 5 Goals:

Coquitlam Express - Top 5 Goals of the 2022-23 Season - YouTube

Spruce Kings Sign Coventry:

Spruce Kings Add Coventry | Prince George Spruce Kings

Eagles Name Former NHLer Gomez New Assistant Coach:

2-time Cup champ Scott Gomez returns to Surrey to help on Eagles bench - Surrey Now-Leader (surreynowleader.com)

Next Generation: Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Next Generation: Salmon Arm Silverbacks | BCHL League Site

Warriors Return To Ice For Training Camp:

West Kelowna Warriors return to the ice for training camp - BCHL - Castanet.net

Vernon Vipers Trim Roster To 26

The Vernon Vipers have trimmed their roster from 29 to 26 players. No official press release from the Vernon Vipers but defencemen Fritz Berback-Rosengreen 06, Nick Larkin 05 & goaltender Dylan Adams 06 were no longer listed on the teams roster as of Saturday night.

Here is the Vernon Vipers 2023 exhibition roster from the BCHL website,

Vernon Vipers Roster 2023 Exhibition | BCHL League Site

Fritz Berback-Rosengreen's Player Profile:

Fritz Berback-Rosengreen - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Nick Larkin's Player Profile:

Nicholas Larkin - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Dylan Adams Player Profile:

Dylan Adams - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

West Kelowna Warriors Goals/Highlights:

Here are the West Kelowna Warriors three goals/highlights from Saturday's pre-season 3-1 victory over the hometown Vernon Vipers from Kal Tire Place. 

Here are the goals from the West Kelowna Warriors X account,

West Kelowna Warriors forwards Johannes Lokkeberg & Jack Pridham gave the Warriors a 2-0 1st period lead.

West Kelowna Warriors on X: "Johannes 🇳🇴 and Jack 🇨🇦 find the back of the net! #BCHL https://t.co/r6ntUi9HKz" / X (twitter.com)

West Kelowna Warriors defencemen Landen Hilditch gave the Warriors a 3-1 2nd period lead.

West Kelowna Warriors on X: "HILDY! https://t.co/CRngugYOcv" / X (twitter.com)

Game Recap - Exhibition - West Kelowna 3 Vernon 1

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 2.5 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 Vernon Vipers-West Kelowna Warriors pre-season game as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 3-1 at Kal Tire Place. (No attendance was announced)

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David

West Kelowna Warriors: Rorke Applebee

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

Michael Salandra's Opening Goal:

West Kelowna Warriors forward Michael Salandra opened the scoring at 11:04

of the 1st period as the Warriors shutout the visiting Vernon Vipers 3-0 at Royal LePage Place September 15th

Here is Michael Salandra's opening goal from the West Kelowna Warriors X account,

West Kelowna Warriors on X: "Skate to stick and Sally scores! #BCHL https://t.co/ddsvulPGD5" / X (twitter.com)

Game Preview: Exhibition - West Kelowna @ Vernon:

West Kelowna 3-0-0-0 @ Vernon 3-1-0-0 6pm

Tonight is the second of seven pre-season/regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors. The Warriors went 4-1 vs the Vipers last season

Vernon's regular season record & stats vs the West Kelowna Warriors since 2006 (The Warriors moved from Langley to West Kelowna in 2006)

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-53-L-44-OTL-4- T-6-SOL-3 vs West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-35-L-19-OTL-3-T-2-SOL-1 at home vs West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-20-L-25-OLT-1-T-4-SOL-2 in West Kelowna

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012 Vernon is W-0-L-1-OLT-0-T-0-SOL-0 vs West Kelowna at the Showcase

The Vipers are 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games vs West Kelowna

The Vipers are 2-4-1-3 in their last ten games in West Kelowna

The Vipers are 4-5-0-1 in their last ten home games vs the West Kelowna

Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 4-3 victory on Saturday, February 11th 2023

West Kelowna's last win at Kal Tire Place was a 5-1 victory on Friday, December 16th 2022

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

Game Recap - Exhibition - West Kelowna 3 Vernon 0

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 2.5 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 Vernon Vipers-West Kelowna Warriors pre-season game as West Kelowna defeated Vernon 3-0 at Royal LePage Place. (No attendance announced)

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Dylan Adams

West Kelowna Warriors: Rorke Applebee

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

Game Preview: Exhibition - Vernon @ West Kelowna:

Vernon 3-0-0-0 @ West Kelowna 2-0-0-0 7 pm

Tonight is the first of seven pre-season/regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors. The Warriors went 4-1 vs the Vipers last season

Vernon's regular season record & stats vs the West Kelowna Warriors since 2006 (The Warriors moved from Langley to West Kelowna in 2006)

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-53-L-44-OTL-4- T-6-SOL-3 vs West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-35-L-19-OTL-3-T-2-SOL-1 at home vs West Kelowna

Since the 2006-07 regular season Vernon is W-20-L-25-OLT-1-T-4-SOL-2 in West Kelowna

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012 Vernon is W-0-L-1-OLT-0-T-0-SOL-0 vs West Kelowna at the Showcase

The Vipers are 3-4-1-2 in their last ten games vs West Kelowna

The Vipers are 2-4-1-3 in their last ten games in West Kelowna

The Vipers are 4-5-0-1 in their last ten home games vs the West Kelowna

Vernon's last win at home vs West Kelowna was a 4-3 victory on Saturday, February 11th 2023

West Kelowna's last win at Kal Tire Place was a 5-1 victory on Friday, December 16th 2022

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

Americans Re-Sign Vipers Alumni Finlay:

The ECHL Allen Americans have re-signed former Vernon Vipers

forward Liam Finlay.

Here is the press release from the Allen Americans website,

AMERICANS WELCOME BACK LIAM FINLAY - Allen Americans Hockey Club

Finlay spent the 2022-23 season with ECHL Allen Americans. The Americans signed Finlay September 27th 2022. In 54 games, Finlay collected (33-goals-37-assists-70-points). On April 12th 2023 Finlay was named to the ECHL 2022-23 All-Rookie team.

Finlay played the previous two seasons in Europe playing with four different teams (KOVEE, HK Nitra, Tingsryds AIF & EHC Freiburg) from 2020-2022.

Finlay played four years at Denver University from 2016-2020 before signing his first professional contract with Koovee September 7th 2020. Koovee is a Finnish ice hockey team that plays in the Mestis, second-tier league where the team is based in Tampere, Finland. 

Finlay attended the Vancouver Canucks development camp in July 2019.

Finlay played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2014-2016) after coming over in a trade with the Penticton Vees. The Vipers traded the Junior A playing rights of Dakota Conroy & future considerations October 28th 2014 to the Penticton Vees for Liam Finlay. In 96 games with the Vipers, Finlay collected (39-goals-69-assists-109-points).

Liam Finlay's Player Profile:

Liam Finlay - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

BCHL Leaving Hockey Canada - What Does This Mean?

This video will provide advice for players & parents who want to know more about the BCHL leaving Hockey Canada.

Here is the video from Advancement Hockey Advising YouTube page,

BCHL Leaving Hockey Canada - What Does This Mean? - YouTube

Vernon Vipers Lose Long Time Fan/Goal Judge:

The Vernon Vipers have lost long time fan/goal judge Gordon Ellinson. Ellinson was a long time fan of the Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers and former goal judge.

Here is the obituary from the Vernon Morning Star,

Gordon Marshall Ellinson - Vernon Morning Star

Vernon Vipers Trim Roster To 29

The Vernon Vipers have trimmed their roster from 30 to 29 players. No official press release from the Vernon Vipers but defenceman Russell Weatherhead 06 is no longer listed on the Vernon Vipers exhibition roster.

Here is the Vernon Vipers 2023 exhibition roster from the BCHL website,

Vernon Vipers Roster 2023 Exhibition | BCHL League Site

Russell Weatherhead's Player Profile:

Russell Weatherhead - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Colorado Eagles Sign Former Viper Forward Stapley:

The American Hockey League Colorado Eagles have signed former Vernon

Vipers forward Brett Stapley.

Here is the report from the Colorado Eagles website,

Colorado Eagles Sign Former DU Pioneer Brett Stapley | Colorado Eagles

Stapley played last season with the ECHL Trois-Rivières Lions. In 45 games, Stapley collected (8-goals-34-assists-42-points).

Stapley played four seasons at the University of Denver from 2018-2022 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Laval Rocket August 30th 2022. The Rocket cut Stapley from training camp October 10th 2022 before signing with the ECHL Trois-Rivières Lions October 11th 2022.

Stapley attended the Anaheim Ducks development camp in 2017 & the Montreal Canadiens development camp in 2020. Stapley was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in Round 7 of the 2018 NHL Draft.

Stapley played three seasons in Vernon from 2015-2018. In 153 games with the Vipers, Stapley collected (47-goals-74-assists-121-points).

Brett Stapley's Player Profile:

Brett Stapley - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

BCHL Officials Add Names To Uniforms:

Last weekend in Vernon the BCHL officials debuted their new uniforms that also include their names on the backs. 

Here is the post from X

BCHL on X: "Looking good, stripes! BCHL officials Anthony Leardo, Bobby Williamson, Owen Lohmeier and Chase Eising debuted their new uniforms in last weekend's preseason opener! https://t.co/obstUhRXtz" / X (twitter.com)

Game Recap - Exhibition - Vernon 3 Salmon Arm 0

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 2.5 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-Salmon Arm Silverbacks pre-season game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 3-0 at Kal Tire Place. (No attendance was announced)

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David 

Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Ryan Tamelin

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

Game Preview: Exhibition - Salmon Arm @ Vernon:

Salmon Arm 0-1-0-0 @ Vernon 2-0-0-0 6pm

Tonight's the second of eleven pre-season/regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Vipers went 4-3 vs Salmon Arm last season.

Vernon's regular season record & stats vs the Silverbacks since 2002

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 77-52-13-8-1 vs

Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 41-26-7-2-1 at home vs.

Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 30-25-9-3 in Salmon Arm

The Silverbacks are 3-5-1-0-1 in their last ten games in Vernon

The Vipers are 3-5-2-0 in their last ten games in Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Salmon Arm was a 5-2 victory on Friday, March 10th 2023

The Silverbacks last regular season win in Vernon was a 4-1 victory on Saturday, September 24th 2022

The Vipers last regular season win in Salmon Arm was a 4-3 overtime victory on Saturday, December 10th 2022

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

Game Recap - Exhibition - Vernon 1 Salmon Arm 0

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 2.5 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 Vernon Vipers-Salmon Arm Silverbacks pre-season game as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 1-0 in front of 550 fans at the Shaw Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Colin Reay

Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Ryan Grout

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

Vernon Vipers Trim Roster To 30

The Vernon Vipers have trimmed their roster from 34 players down to 30 players. No official press release from the Vernon Vipers but forwards Weston Field 06, Kurtis Kinoshita 06, Tyce Wood 06 &  defencemen Ryan Lukko 06 are no longer listed on the Vernon Vipers roster.

Here is the Vernon Vipers 2023 exhibition roster from the BCHL website,

Vernon Vipers Roster 2023 Exhibition | BCHL League Site 

Weston Field's Player Profile:

Weston Field - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Kurtis Kinishita's Player Profile:

Kurtis Kinoshita - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Tyce Wood's Player Profile:

Tyce Wood - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Ryan Lukko's Player Profile:

Ryan Lukko - Stats & Facts - Elite Prospects

Game Preview: Exhibition - Vernon @ Salmon Arm:

Vernon 1-0-0-0 @ Salmon Arm 0-0-0-0 7pm

Tonight's the first of eleven pre-season/regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Vipers went 4-3 vs Salmon Arm last season.

Vernon's regular season record & stats vs the Silverbacks since 2002

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 77-52-13-8-1 vs

Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 41-26-7-2-1 at home vs.

Salmon Arm

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 30-25-9-3 in Salmon Arm

The Silverbacks are 3-5-1-0-1 in their last ten games in Vernon

The Vipers are 3-5-2-0 in their last ten games in Salmon Arm

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Salmon Arm was a 5-2 victory on Friday, March 10th 2023

The Silverbacks last regular season win in Vernon was a 4-1 victory on Saturday, September 24th 2022

The Vipers last regular season win in Salmon Arm was a 4-3 overtime victory on Saturday, December 10th 2022

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

Adam Csabi's Overtime Winning Goal:

Vernon Vipers forward Adam Csabi scores at 0:42 of overtime on

September 3rd 2023 giving the hometown Vernon Vipers a 5-4 overtime victory over the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters.

Here is Adam Csabi's overtime winning goal from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Adam Csabi Scores OT Winner - YouTube

Vernon Vipers 2022-23 Top 5 Goals:

Vernon Vipers 2022-23 Top 5 goals.

Here are the Vernon Vipers Top 5 goals from the 2022-23 season from YouTube,

Vernon Vipers - Top 5 Goals of the 2022-23 Season - YouTube

Hockey Canada Releases Information About Sanctioned Programs:

Hockey Canada has released a document that clarifies the difference between sanctioned and non-sanctioned hockey programs.

Here is the press release from chl.ca,

Hockey Canada releases information about sanctioned programs - Canadian Hockey League (chl.ca)

Heartlanders Sign Ex Viper Tufto:

The ECHL Iowa Heartlanders have signed former Vernon Vipers

forward Odeen Tufto.

Here is the press release from the Iowa Heartlanders website,

Point-producing forward Tufto inks ECHL deal with Iowa (iowaheartlanders.com)

Tufto played last season with the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) Krefeld Pinguine. The Pinguine is a professional ice hockey team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga hockey league. Their home is Krefeld, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Tufto started the 2022-23 season with the the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners. Tufto never played a single game with the Roadrunners was assigned to the  ECHL Atlanta Gladiators December 17th 2022. Tufto played 12 games with the Gladiators before heading to Germany. 

The Tampa Bay Lightning decided in July 2022 not to make a qualifying offer to Tufto who was a restricted free agent signed with the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners August 31st 2022. 

Tufto split the 2021-22 season between the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears & American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch.

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 yet to play for the 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 & Facts - Elite Prospects

Game Recap - Exhibition: Vernon 5 Trail 4 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 2.5 million viewers. For anyone who couldn't watch or attend today's Vipers game, here are my thoughts and views from today'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-Trail Smoke Eaters pre-season game as Vernon defeated Trail 5-4 in overtime in front of small crowd at Kal Tire Place. (No attendance announced)

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Dylan Adams

Trail Smoke Eaters: Ryan Parker

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

Game Preview: Exhibition - Trail @ Vernon:

Trail 0-0-0-0 @ Vernon 0-0-0-0 4pm

Today is the first of six pre-season & regular season meetings between the Vernon Vipers & Trail Smoke Eaters. The Vipers went 4-1 vs Trail last season.

Vernon's record & stats vs the Smoke Eaters since 2002

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 94-27-1-4-1 vs Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Trail 532-300

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 49-9-0-3-0 at home vs. Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 38-16-1-1-1 in Trail

The Vipers are 9-1-0-0 in their last ten home games vs. the Smoke Eaters

The Vipers are 8-1-0-0-1 in their last ten road games vs. the Smoke Eaters

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs. Trail was a 2-1 shootout victory on Saturday, March 18th 2023

The Smoke Eaters last regular season win in Vernon was a 3-2 overtime victory on Monday, Febraury 20th 2023

The Vipers last regular season win in Trail was a 3-1 victory on Saturday, February 25th 2023

The Smoke Eaters last regular season win at home vs. Vernon was a 5-1 victory on Friday, January 17th 2020

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

Vernon Vipers Training Camp Report:

I was born and raised in Vernon and been following/watching junior hockey in Vernon my entire life. I have had season tickets since 1990 and missed five home games since 2004. 

Here are my thought's from the final day of Vipers training camp.

I stopped by Kal Tire Place North this morning to watch the only scrimmage of the day. The game was two thirty minute non stop periods with a full ice clean between periods. Team Yellow defeated Team Red 7-2 in a game where team Yellow was the better team and carried the better of the play for the entire scrimmage. It was 5-0 Team Yellow after one period. Ethan David started in goal for Team Yellow while Dylan Adams come out to start the second period and finished the game. Colin Reay started in goal for Team Red and played the entire game.

News & Notes:

With no lineup/roster sheets it's hard to follow not knowing who the players are

There was around 100 or so fans in attendance today

A friend of mine was talking with one of the parents who said the Vipers will be making twelve cuts after the pre-season is over

The Vipers open the 2023 pre-season Sunday afternoon at home vs the Trail Smoke Eaters

Here are some pictures I took today from training camp.

BCHL Fact Check:

This coming 2023-24 season the BCHL will operate as an independent league for the first time and the league would like to clarify to how the league will run.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL Fact Check | BCHL League Site

Vernon Vipers Pre-Season Roster:

The BC Hockey League has posted the Vernon Vipers 2023 pre-season roster.

Here is the Vernon Vipers pre-season roster from the BCHL website,

Vernon Vipers Roster 2023 Exhibition | BCHL League Site

Forwards:

Shea Busch 07 (Committed)
Luke Buss 03 (Played with the 2021-22 Vernon Vipers)
Hank Cleaves 03 (Returning from last season)
Adam Csabi 05 (Committed)
Jiri Duda 05 (Committed)
Julian Facchinelli 04 (Returning from last season)
Weston Field 06
Walker Gelbard 05 (Acquired in trade June 29th with Langley)
Marcello Giorgi 05 (Committed)
Owen Kim 04 (Acquired in trade June 29th with Langley)
Kurtis Kinoshita 06
Owen King 05 (Committed)
Luke Pakulak 03 (Returning from last season)
Eric Pastro 05 (Committed)
Liam Payne 06 (Committed)
Bronson Ross 06 (Committed)
Georgios Stavrianeas 05 (Committed)
Isaac Tremblay 04 (Returning from last season)
Tyce Wood 06

Defencemen:

Linden Burrett 06 (Committed)
Cooper Cleaves 06
Anthony Cliche 03 (Returning from last season)
Connor Elliott 03 (Returning from last season)
Isaac Fecteau 05 (Committed)
Nick Larkin 05 (Committed)
Ryan Lukko 06
Lukas McCloskey 05 (Committed) (Played last season with Wenatchee Wild)
Jordin Palmer 04 (Committed)
Maks Percic 04 (Committed)
Russell Weatherhead 06

Goaltenders:

Dylan Adams 06
Ethan David 03 (Returning from last season)
Colin Reay 05 (Committed) (Played last season with Drayton Valley Thunder)

Vernon Vipers Training Camp-Pre-Season Schedule:

The Vernon Vipers opened training camp this week at Kal Tire Place and fans are able to attend starting today.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Pre-Season Schedule | Vernon Vipers