Fort Wayne Komets Suspend/Remove Ex Viper Andres From Roster:

The ECHL Fort Wayne Komets have suspended/removed former Vernon Vipers

 defenceman Mitch Andres from roster.

Here is the transaction from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - April 1

Andres played this season at Robert Morris University before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Fort Wayne Komets March 14th 2024. Andres went pointless in 1 game with the Komets.

Andres previously spent four seasons at Boston College from 2019-2023 before transferring to Robert Morris University for the 2023-24 season.

Andres played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2017-2019. Andres and his four younger brothers all attended the Vernon Vipers training camp in 2018. The Vipers traded Andres to the Chilliwack Chiefs at the BCHL trade deadline January 10th 2019 for Will Dow Kenny. In 88 games with the Vipers, Andres collected (4-goals-22-assists-26-points).

Mitch Andres Player Profile:

Mitch Andres - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Day 3 Report From Vernon Vipers Spring Camp:

I have been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life and had season tickets since 1990.

I stopped by Kal Tire Place North this morning to check out the final day of Vernon Vipers Spring Camp.

Each scrimmage/game is two thirty minute non-stop running periods with a full ice clean between periods. All penalties are an automatic penalty shot.

With no rosters/lineup sheets it's really hard to follow the players not knowing who's who, age, hometown etc. I can't remember the reason, but I asked many years ago for a roster/lineup sheet and was told they are not allowed to give out rosters for Spring Camp.

These Spring Camps are basically the same every year with only a few stand outs. In one of the games this morning, saw five penalty shots in one game.

A good turn out for attendance this morning but there was a lot more fans at Camp yesterday.

Here are some photo's I took this morning from Spring Camp,

Bruins Recall Vipers Alumni Lambert From ECHL:

The American Hockey League Providence Bruins have recalled former

Vernon Vipers forward Jimmy Lambert from the ECHL Maine Mariners.

Here is the press release from the Providence Bruins website,

PROVIDENCE BRUINS RECALL JIMMY LAMBERT FROM MAINE MARINERS | Providence Bruins

Lambert is in his first season with the ECHL Maine Mariners. In 35 games, Lambert has (11-goals-23-assists-34-points).

The American Hockey League Providence Bruins signed Lambert August 9th 2023 to a one-year, two-way American Hockey League contract. Lambert never played a game with the Bruins, was reassigned to the ECHL Maine Mariners October 11th 2023.

Lambert split the 2022-23 season with the ECHL Worcester Railers & American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders. 

In 27 games last season with the Railers, Lambert collected (11-goals-13-assists-24-points). In 33 games last season with the Islanders, Lambert collected (1-goal-6-assists-7-points).

Lambert played four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2018-2022 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders. The Islanders signed Lambert April 18th 2022 on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) before signing Lambert to a professional contract April 19th 2022. 

Lambert attended the Calgary Flames development camp in 2018 & New York Islanders development camp in 2019.

Lambert played three seasons in Vernon from 2015-2018. In 156 games with the Vipers, Lambert collected (57-goals-85-assists-142-points).

Jimmy Lambert's Player Profile:

Jimmy Lambert - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Day 2 Report From Vernon Vipers Spring Camp:

 I have been watching/following Junior hockey in Vernon my whole life. I have had season tickets since 1990

I stopped by Kal Tire Place North this morning to catch Team Yellow vs Team Green and returned this evening to watch Team Blue vs Team White & Team Green vs Team Red.

Each scrimmage/game is two thirty minute non-stop running periods with a full ice clean between periods. All penalties are an automatic penalty shot.

It's hard to really follow the teams/players with no rosters/lineup sheets available to the fans.

In all three scrimmages/games I attended today the attendance was very good with lots of fans at each game.

The final day of Spring Camp goes Sunday. The Vipers didn't post a Spring Camp schedule so I don't know when the games are.

Here are some photo's I took from Spring Camp,

Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees Game 5 Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees highlights from Game 5 of the 2nd round of the playoffs in front of 2,308 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton.

image credit: Vernon Vipers

Here are the highlights from the Penticton Vees youTube page,

Highlights: 26-04-24 vs. Vernon Vipers (youtube.com)

Florida Everblades Sign Former Vipers Forward Skirving:

The ECHL Florida Everblades have signed former Vernon Vipers forward

Todd Skirving.

Here is the transaction from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - April 6

Skirving was in his fifth season with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers before joining the Everblades. In 60 games with the Growlers, Skirving collected (8-goals-6-assists-14-points).

The League’s Board of Governors voted to terminate the Membership of the Newfoundland Growlers, effective immediately, for failure to fulfill its obligations under the ECHL Bylaws. The ECHL and Professional Hockey Players’ Association have agreed that as per the ECHL/PHPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, all ECHL Contracted Players on the Newfoundland roster are Unrestricted Free Agents, however no ECHL Member may sign more than two (2) Players from the free agent pool of Newfoundland Players. Any Player from this pool who signs and finishes the Season with a new ECHL Member for the balance of the 2023-24 Season shall be ineligible for that Member's Protected List and shall become an Unrestricted Free Agent at the conclusion of the 2023-24 Season.

Skirving didn't play professional hockey during the 2020-21 season as the Growlers decided to opt out of the 2020-21 season under the ECHL's COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension Policy. Skirving spent the 2020-21 season as an Assistant Coach with the BCHL expansion Cranbrook Bucks. Skirving and the Bucks went 3-16-0-1 during the 2020-21 pod season.

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 spent the 2017-18 season playing with Orlando, Utah and Atlanta before signing a professional contract with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers October 16th 2018.

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 (eliteprospects.com)

Pichette's Overtime Winning Goal:

Penticton Vees forward Thomas Pichette scores the overtime winner at 0:42 of

overtime, giving the Penticton Vees a 2-1 overtime victory and advancing to the Interior Conference Finals vs the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Here is Thomas Pichette's overtime winning goal from the BCHL X page,

BCHL on X: "Thomas Pichette spins, fires, and ends it! The @PentictonVees tie it late, and score early in overtime to win Game 5 in thrilling fashion. They take the series 4 games to 1 over the Vernon Vipers. #BCHLPlayoffs | @Rogers https://t.co/GmGEi5g3MK" / X (twitter.com)

Game Recap - 2nd Round Playoffs - Game 5 Penticton 2 Vernon 1 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 2.9 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 Game 5 Playoff game between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees as the Vees eliminated the Vipers in Game 5 2-1 in overtime in front of 2,308 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David

Penticton Vees: Will Ingemann

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

Vernon Viper Grad Profile - #24 Connor Elliott

The veteran defenceman talks about being named captain of his hometown team, finishing off his junior career and the best thing about playing for the Vipers.

Here is Connor Elliott's Grad Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Viper Grad Profile - #24 Connor Elliott - YouTube

Game Preview: 2nd Round Playoffs - Game 5 Vernon @ Penticton:

Game 5 Vernon 5-4 @ Penticton 7-1  7pm

Tonight is the tenth regular season/playoff meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees. 

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 30-24 vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon has outscored

Penticton 165-144

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 17-9 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 13-15 in Penticton

Vernon's last playoff win at home vs Penticton was a 3-2 overtime victory on Wednesday, April 24th 2024

Penticton's last playoff win at the Kal Tire Place was a 4-0 victory on Tuesday, April 23rd 2024

Vernon's last playoff win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 3-2 victory on Friday, March 31st 2017

Penticton's last playoff win at home vs Vernon was a 3-1 victory on Saturday, April 20th 2024

Vernon's record & stats vs the Vees since 2002

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 49-65-11-5 vs Penticton

Since the 2002-03 regular season Penticton has outscored Vernon 401-326

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 25-27-4-2 at home vs. Penticton

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

Elliott's Overtime Winning Goal:

Here is another view of Vernon Vipers defenceman/captain Connor

Elliott's overtime winning goal in Game 4 as the Vipers force a Game 5 in Penticton.

Here is Connor Elliott's overtime winning goal from the Vernon Vipers X page,

Vernon Vipers on X: "A huge thank you to the over 1800 fans who stuck it out with us last night into the wee hours!! Here's a look at the goal that sent everyone home happy!! Video Credit - Coltan Boomer https://t.co/b17PsUvOWo" / X (twitter.com)

Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees Game 4 Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees highlights from Game 4 of the 2nd round of the Playoffs in front of 1,805 fans at Kal Tire Place in Vernon.

image credit: Vernon Vipers

Here are the highlights from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vernon vs Penticton Game 4 Highlights [4-24-2024] (youtube.com)

Ex Viper Merner Named Alberta Division Player Of The Week:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Ethan Merner was named

the Alberta Division Player of the Week.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

Sherwood Park’s Merner named Alberta Division Player of the Week | BCHL League Site

Merner is in his first season with the Alberta Junior Hockey League Sherwood Park Crusaders. In 20 games this season, Merner collected (5-goals-3-assists-8-points). Merner left the Vernon Vipers to sign with the Crusaders June 6th 2023.

Merner played one season in Vernon with the 2022-23 Vernon Vipers. In 38 games, Merner collected (3-goals-7-assists-10-points). 

Merner has committed to Merrimack College for the 2024-25 season.

Ethan Merner's Player Profile:

Ethan Merner - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Elliott's Overtime Winning Goal:

Vernon Vipers defenceman/captain Connor Elliott scores at 5:12 into overtime, giving

 the hometown Vernon Vipers a 4-3 overtime victory to force a Game 5

Here is Connor Elliott's overtime game winning goal from the BCHL X page,

BCHL on X: "Not done yet! Connor Elliott's OT winner staves off elimination for the @VernonVipers in Game 4. 🎙: @GrahamT_Vipers #BCHLPlayoffs | @Rogers https://t.co/e2kfghkhdk" / X (twitter.com)

Game Recap - 2nd Round Playoffs - Game 4 Vernon 3 Penticton 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 2.9 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 Game 4 Playoff game between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees as the Vipers took Game 4 3-2 in overtime in front of 1,805 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David

Penticton Vees: Andrew Ness

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

Vernon Viper Grad Profile - #29 Luke Pakulak

The fourth year veteran talks about returning to Vernon to play his final season as well as his favourite memory and tells us who should get his dressing room stall next season.

Here is Luke Pakulak's Grad Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Viper Grad Profile - #29 Luke Pakulak (youtube.com)

Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees Game 3 Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees highlights from Game 3 of the 2nd round Playoffs in front of 1,751 fans at Kal Tire Place in Vernon.

image credit: Penticton Vees

Penticton Vees forward Thomas Pichette opens the scoring at 6:19 of the 1st period,

🏆 - Penticton Vees on X: "🚨The Co-Captain gets us started with his first of the playoffs! 🚨 https://t.co/bsVKAwiJWn" / X (twitter.com)

Penticton Vees forward Callum Arnott scores on the power play at 4:31 of the 2nd period giving the Vees a 2-0 lead

🏆 - Penticton Vees on X: "We have Co-Captains for a reason. 😉 Callum Arnott’s turn to tickle twine on the Powerplay and we lead 2-0 🚨🚨 https://t.co/rxYByM47Jj" / X (twitter.com)

Penticton Vees forward Simon Meier scores at 9:45 of the 2nd period, giving the Vees a 3-0 lead

🏆 - Penticton Vees on X: "3-0 lead after two thanks to Cal and Simy! https://t.co/Ltqw2gTUOy" / X (twitter.com)

Penticton Vees forward Conyr Hellyer scores on the power play at 1:31 of the 3rd period, giving the Vees a 4-0 lead

🏆 - Penticton Vees on X: "🚨🚨🚨🚨 It’s Conyr Hellyer’s turn to jump on the scoresheet! A powerplay goal for #28 extends our lead to 4-0! https://t.co/xW9t5IIPGi" / X (twitter.com)

Game Preview: 2nd Round Playoffs - Game 4 Penticton @ Vernon:

Game 4 Penticton 7-0 @ Vernon 4-4  8:15pm

Tonight is the nineth regular season/playoff meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees. 

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 29-24 vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon has outscored

Penticton 162-142

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 16-9 at home vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 13-15 in Penticton

Vernon's last playoff win at home vs Penticton was a 5-1 victory on Saturday, April 8th 2017

Penticton's last playoff win at the Kal Tire Place was a 4-0 victory on Tuesday, April 23rd 2024

Vernon's last playoff win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 3-2 victory on Friday, March 31st 2017

Penticton's last playoff win at home vs Vernon was a 3-1 victory on Saturday, April 20th 2024

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

Game Recap - 2nd Round Playoffs - Game 3 Penticton 4 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 2.9 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 Game 3 Playoff game between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees as the Vees took Game 3 4-0 in front of 1,751 fans at Kal Tire Place.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon Vipers: Ethan David

Penticton Vees: Will Ingemann

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

Vernon Viper Grad Profile - #37 Anthony Cliche

The veteran blueliner talks about finding a place to play in Vernon, blowing a kiss in the shoot-out and what he's learned about the game over the past three seasons.

Here is Anthony Cliche's Grad Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Viper Grad Profile - #37 Anthony Cliche - YouTube

Game Preview: 2nd Round Playoffs - Game 3 Penticton @ Vernon:

Game 3 Penticton 6-0 @ Vernon 4-3  8:15pm

Tonight is the seventh regular season/playoff meeting between the Vernon Vipers & Penticton Vees. 

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 29-23 vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon has outscored

Penticton 162-138

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 16-8 at home
vs. Penticton

Since the 2004-05 playoffs Vernon is 13-15 in Penticton

Vernon's last playoff win at home vs Penticton was a 5-1 victory on Saturday, April 8th 2017

Penticton's last playoff win at the Kal Tire Place was a 4-2 victory on Monday, April 3rd 2017

Vernon's last playoff win at the South Okanagan Events Centre was a 3-2 victory on Friday, March 31st 2017

Penticton's last playoff win at home vs Vernon was a 3-1 victory on Saturday, April 20th 2024

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

Florida Everblades Sign Vipers Alumni Lansdell:

The ECHL Florida Everblades have signed former Vernon Vipers forward

Jesse Lansdell.

Here is the transaction from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - April 1

Lansdell played this season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In 39 games, Lansdell collected (3-goals-12-assists-15-points). Lansdell played the previous four seasons at the University of Notre Dame from 2019-2023.

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 (eliteprospects.com)

Vernon Viper Grad Profile - #26 Hank Cleaves

The 2nd year forward talks about his final season with the Vipers, being a part of the leadership group and playing with his younger brother.

Here is Hank Cleaves Grad Profile from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Viper Grad Profile - #26 Hank Cleaves (youtube.com)

Vernon Vipers Spring Camp Starts This Weekend:

The Vernon Vipers Spring Camp starts this weekend from April 26th-28th at Kal Tire Place North.

Here is the release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Spring ID Camp 2023 | Vernon Vipers

Komets Sign Former Vipers Defenceman Andres:

The ECHL Fort Wayne Komets have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman

Mitch Andres. 

Here is the press release from www.wane.com,

Komets add defenseman Andres, release forward Fox | WANE 15

Andres played this season at Robert Morris University. In 33 games Andres collected (0-goals-4-assists-4-points). Andres previously spent four seasons at Boston College from 2019-2023.

Andres played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2017-2019. Andres and his four younger brothers all attended the Vernon Vipers training camp in 2018. The Vipers traded Andres to the Chilliwack Chiefs at the BCHL trade deadline January 10th 2019 for Will Dow Kenny. In 88 games with the Vipers, Andres collected (4-goals-22-assists-26-points).

Mitch Andres Player Profile:

Mitch Andres - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees Game 2 Highlights:

Here are the Vernon Vipers-Penticton Vees highlights from Game 2 of the 2nd round of the Playoffs in front of 2,261 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton.

image credit: Vernon Vipers

Here are the highlights from the Penticton Vees YouTube page,

Highlights: 20-04-24 Vernon (1) at Penticton (3) (youtube.com)