Kelowna Rockets Sign Vernon Vipers Commit Pankratz:

The Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets have signed Vernon Vipers committed 18 year old forward Connor Pankratz.

Here is the press release from the Kelowna Rockets website,

Connor Pankratz signs WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with Rockets - Kelowna Rockets (chl.ca)

Here is the press release from Kelowna Now,

‘Kelowna is where I want to go’: Rockets sign forward Connor Pankratz (kelownanow.com)

Pankratz signed/committed to the Vernon Vipers February 2nd 2024 for the 2024-25 season.

Here is that press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Commit to St. George’s Captain, Connor Pankratz | Vernon Vipers

Pankratz has played the past three seasons for St. George's School U18 Prep Program.

Connor Pankratz's Player Profile:

Connor Pankratz - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Allen Americans Add Ex Viper Forward Finlay To Protected List:

The ECHL announced their Protected Lists June 10th 2024 as

submitted by each of its member teams. The Allen Americans have twenty eight players listed on their Protected List, one is former Vernon Vipers forward Liam Finlay.

Here is the press release from the Allen Americans website,

Allen Americans | Americans announce protected list

Finlay has played the past two seasons with the Americans. The Americans re-signed Finlay July 13th 2023. In 26 games last season, Finlay collected (8-goals-11-assist-19-points).

Finlay played two seasons in Europe from 2020-2022 playing with four different teams (KOVEE, HK Nitra, Tingsryds AIF & EHC Freiburg) before signing with the ECHL Allen Americans September 27th 2022. Finlay was named to the ECHL 2022-23 All-Rookie team.

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, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Accused Former Vernon Laker Chase No-Shows At Court Hearing:

Former Vernon Lakers defenceman/Assistant Coach Keith Chase, who is in the midst of a sexual assault retrial, did not appear at a fix-a-date court hearing.

Here is the story from the Vernon Morning Star,

Accused Vernon hockey coach no-shows at court hearing - Vernon Morning Star

Chase currently owns Chasers Bottle depot in Vernon.

Chase played parts of four seasons in Vernon from 1982-1985 before being traded to the Merritt Centennials during the 1984-85 season. Chase would return to Vernon after being traded back to the Lakers and played his final two seasons in Vernon from 1986-1988. After his junior hockey career ended, Chase joined the Vernon Lakers as an assistant coach from 1988-1991. In 94 games with the Lakers, Chase collected (3-goals-11-assists-12-points).

The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Keith Chase's Player Profile:

Keith Chase - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Sherwood Park Crusaders Sign DiPaolo:

COMMITTED: Nicholas DiPaolo Joins Crusaders for 2024/2025 Campaign | Sherwood Park Crusaders (spcrusaders.com)

Spruce Kings Sign Wachtel:

Spruce Kings Commit to Wachtel | Prince George Spruce Kings

Express Name Bissett New Manager Of Buisiness & Hockey Operations:

Express Announce James Bissett as New Manager of Business and Hockey Operations | Coquitlam Express

Crusaders Sign Grumley:

SIGNING: Crusaders Sign Defenceman Stevie Grumley | Sherwood Park Crusaders (spcrusaders.com)

Grizzlies Thank Graduating 20 Year Olds:

Grizzlies Thank Graduating 20 Year Olds | Victoria Grizzlies

Vees Sign Ryan:

Vees sign forward Caton Ryan | Penticton Vees

Brooks Bandits Sign Letourneau:

Clarkson commit and CCHL MVP Jace Letourneau signs with the Bandits for 2024-25 season | Brooks Bandits

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Sign Van Wie:

Silverbacks sign a young goal scorer; Aaron Van Wie | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Crusaders Sign Vasic:

COMMITTED: Daniel Vasic Joins Crusaders for 2024/2025 Season | Sherwood Park Crusaders (spcrusaders.com)

Keith Leaves Surrey Eagles:

Coach/GM Cam Keith leaves Surrey Eagles after B.C.-championship season - Surrey Now-Leader (surreynowleader.com)

Coquitlam Express Sign Loughery:

Coquitlam Express Sign 2007-Born Defenseman Liam Loughery | Coquitlam Express

Prince George Names Anderson New Executive Director Of Buisness & Director Of Broadcasting/Communications:

Spruce Kings Promote Anderson | Prince George Spruce Kings

Chilliwack-Victoria Trade:

Chilliwack Chiefs Acquire Owen Bresson in Exchange for Rolston | Chilliwack Chiefs

Knoxville Ice Bears Add Former Viper Osik To Teams Protected List:

The Southern Professional Hockey League announced May 9th 2024 the players whose rights

 were protected for the 2024-25 season. Former Vernon Vipers forward Derek Osik is one of thirteen players listed on the Knoxville Ice Bears protected list.

Here is the press release from the SPHL webiste,

SPHL announces 2024-2025 protected lists | SPHL (thesphl.com)

Osik played the 2023-24 season with the Southern Professional Hockey League Knoxville Ice Bears. In 41 games, Osik collected (13-goals-12-assists-25-points).

Osik has played parts of the last three seasons in the Southern Professional Hockey League & ECHL with three different teams (Evansville Thunderbolts, Worcester Railers & Knoxville Ice Bears).

Osik played four seasons with UMass-Lowell and Long Island University before signing his first professional contract with the Southern Professional Hockey League Evansville Thunderbolts in 2022.

Osik was recruited by the Vernon Vipers, committed to the Vipers for the 2016-17 season. Osik was released by the Vipers to the Chilliwack Chiefs in early November 2016. It was reported Osik was released so the Vipers could get down to the minimum 22-man roster. In 15 games with the Vipers, Osik collected (2-goals-3-assists-5-points). 

Derek Osik's Player Profile:

Derek Osik - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Vernon Vipers Sign Lloyd:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 18 year old defenceman Carson lloyd.

Image credit: Vernon Vipers

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Sign Carson Lloyd For Next Season | Vernon Vipers

Carson Lloyd's Player Profile:

Carsen Lloyd - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Carson Lloyd a player to watch at 2023 World Junior A Challenge

Team Canada Players To Watch At 2023 World Junior A Challenge - FloHockey

Carson Lloyd Named All-Star,

GEORGETOWN RAIDERS NEWS: Raiders set for all-star celebration - Halton Hills News (haltonhillstoday.ca)

Vernon Vipers Release 2024-25 Regular Season Schedule:

The Vernon Vipers/BCHL released its 2024-25 regular season schedule on Thursday. The Vipers will open the 2024-25 regular season September 20th in Trail. The Vipers will open the upcoming regular season on a three game road trip before hosting the West Kelowna Warriors in the Vipers home opener September 28th 2024.

Here is the press release from vernonmatters.ca,

Vernon Vipers to open new BCHL season on road, new Alberta teams to visit twice | Vernon Matters

BCHL releases 2024-25 Schedule

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

BCHL releases 2024-25 regular-season schedule | BCHL League Site

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 95-30-1-5-1 vs Trail

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 38-19-1-1-1 in Trail

The Smoke Eaters went 4-1 vs the Vipers last regular season

The Vipers eliminated the Smoke Eaters 4-1 in the opening round of the BCHL Playoffs last year

Elliott Commits To Hobart College:

Vernon Vipers defenceman/captain Connor Elliott has committed to

Hobart College for the 2024-25 season.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Elliott Commits to Hobart College | Vernon Vipers

Connor Elliott's Player Profile:

Conner Elliott - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Vernon Vipers Announce Home Opener:

The Vernon Vipers will host the West Kelowna Warriors in their 2024-25 home opener September 28th 2024.

Here is the release from the Vernon Vipers X page,

Vernon Vipers on X: "Vernon Vipers will square off against the West Kelowna Warriors for their home opener on Saturday September 28th - 6pm. Mark it on your calendars and make sure you reserve your season ticket at https://t.co/bZzyR2UuKi https://t.co/s77K5zOu9z" / X

This will be the second time in franchise history the Vernon Vipers will host the West Kelowna Warriors in their home opener. The first time was a 4-1 Warriors win September 14th 2007

Since the Langley Hornets moved to West Kelowna in 2006 the Vipers are 35-22-3-2-1 at home during the regular season vs West Kelowna

The Warriors went 4-0-1-0 vs the Vipers last season

The Warriors have won seven of their last eight regular season games vs the Vipers

The Warriors have won eight of their last ten regular season games at Kal Tire Place

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Grizzlies Name Michaud New President:

Grizzlies Name David Michaud Club President | Victoria Grizzlies

Penticton Vees Sign Fisher:

Vees add San Jose Sharks prospect to blue line | Penticton Vees

Saints Sign Miceli:

Saints Sign Xander Miceli for 2024-2025 Season | Spruce Grove Saints (sgsaints.ca)

Rihela Returns To Chilliwack:

Brad Rihela Returns to Chilliwack | Chilliwack Chiefs

Crusaders Sign Banks:

SIGNING: John Alex Banks Joins Crusaders for 2024/2025 BCHL Season | Sherwood Park Crusaders (spcrusaders.com)

Brooks Bandits Sign Siciliano:

Maine commit Dante Siciliano signs with the Bandits for 2024-25 season | Brooks Bandits

Grizzlies Sign Kallay:

Grizzlies Annouce First Commitment of 2024 Summer | Victoria Grizzlies

Penticton Vees Sign Posthumus:

Vees sign forward Luke Posthumus | Penticton Vees

Spruce Kings Sign Wishart:

Spruce Kings Sign Wishart | Prince George Spruce Kings

Cranbrook Bucks Sign Skogstad:

BC born Jake Skogstad commits to Bucks for 2024-25 | Cranbrook Bucks

Bulldogs Sign Giles:

Bulldogs Sign Wolf Giles | Blackfalds Bulldogs

Crusaders Sign Beaudoin:

COMMITTED: Nicolas Beaudoin Joins Sherwood Park Crusaders for 2024/2025 Season | Sherwood Park Crusaders (spcrusaders.com)

Chilliwack-Blackfalds-Langley Trade:

Chilliwack Chiefs Acquire Veteran Forward Dakota MacIntosh | Chilliwack Chiefs

Vernon Junior Hockey Alumni Sparrow & Holland Nominated For Leadership In Sport Award:

Nominees from the Tim Hortons North Okanagan Sports Awards have been announced. Vernon Vipers Assistant Coach Colton Sparrow & former Vernon Vikings goaltender Ken Holland are two of six nominees up for the leadership in sport award.

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

Local athletes to be awarded out of Tim Hortons North Okanagan Sports Awards - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Sparrow will be entering his fifth season with the Vernon Vipers as Assistant Coach.

Sparrow played four years at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks & University of Regina from 2014-2018 before signing his first professional contract with IK Guts in 2018. Sparrow played 7 games with IK Guts during the 2018-29 season before retiring from professional hockey. IK Guts Finspång is a professional ice hockey team based in Finspång, Sweden. The team competes in the Swedish ice hockey league.

Sparrow played four seasons with the Vernon Vipers from 2010-2014. In 188 games with the Vipers, Sparrow collected (32-goals-55-points-87-points).

Colton Sparrow's Player Profile:

Colton Sparrow - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Ken Holland is in his fifth season as President & General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers.

Holland started as an NHL Scout with the Detroit Red Wings in 1985. Holland was a Scout with the Red Wings from 1985-1987 before being named to Director of Amateur Scouting in 1987 until being named Assistant General Manager in 1994 then being named General Manager & Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations in 1997. Holland left the Red Wings in 2019 was named General Manager & President of Hockey Operations of the Edmonton Oilers May 7th 2019.

Holland was drafted 188th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 12 of the 1975 NHL Draft. Holland never played a game with the Maple Leafs, played four games with the Hartford Whalers and Detroit Red Wings before retiring from professional hockey in 1985.

Holland played one season in Vernon with the 1973-74 Vernon Vikings.

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

Ken Holland's Player Profile:

Ken Holland - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Thunderbolts Add Vipers Alumni Taylor To Teams Protected List:

The Southern Professional Hockey League announced May 9th 2024 its Protected Lists

 as submitted by each of its member teams. The Evansville Thunderbolts have thirteen players listed on their protected list one of is, former Vernon Vipers goaltender Ty Taylor.

Here is the press release from the Evansville Thunderbolts website,

Evansville's Pro Hockey Team | Evansville Thunderbolts - 2024-25 Protected List Released

Here is the press release from the SPHL website,

SPHL announces 2024-2025 protected lists | SPHL (thesphl.com)

Taylor played the 2023-24 season with the Southern Professional Hockey League Evansville Thunderbolts. The Thunderbolts signed Taylor November 29th 2023. In 18 games, Taylor went 6-8 with a 2.69 GAA

Taylor started the 2023-24 season with the Southern Professional Hockey League Macon Mayhem. The Mayhem signed Taylor August 29th 2023. Taylor attended the Mayhem training camp but never played a game before being released mid October 2023. 

Taylor played the 2022-23 season with the Elite Ice Hockey League Glasgow Clan. In 17 games Taylor went 3-11-0 with a 4.23 GAA

The Glasgow Clan (formerly Braehead Clan) is a Scottish professional ice hockey team. It was formed in 2010 as the UK Elite Ice Hockey League expanded into the West of Scotland market, and are based at the Braehead Arena in Renfrewshire. It is currently one of three Scottish clubs playing in the top British league.

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 played one game with the Solar Bears before the American Hockey League Syracuse Crunch signed Taylor March 13th 2022. Taylor didn’t play a game with the Crunch, before being released April 28th 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 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 (eliteprospects.com)

2024 BCHL Annual General Meeting Recap:

The BC Hockey League held its 2024 Annual General Meeting May 29-30th with several items coming out.

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

2024 BCHL Annual General Meeting Recap | BCHL League Site

Jutt Off To Marshall University:

Vernon Vipers Athletic Therapist & Kinesiologist Yasmine Jutt is leaving

the Vipers for Marshall University.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Thank You Yas! | Vernon Vipers

Jutt joined the Vernon Vipers August 26th 2021.

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL Board Of Govenors Approve Sale Of Bulldogs:

BCHL Board of Governors Approves Sale of Bulldogs | Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Express Sign Ward:

Express sign 2007-born local forward Simon Ward from ID Camp! | Coquitlam Express

Silverbacks Assistant Coach Dubinsky Signs Extension:

Assistant Coach Josh Dubinsky signs an extension | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Trail Smoke Eaters Owner Purchases Peninsula Panthers:

Trail Smoke Eaters owner purchases VIJHL Peninsula Panthers - Trail Times

Gasperko Commits To Blackfalds Bulldogs:

Joseph Gasperko Commits to Bulldogs | Blackfalds Bulldogs

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Announce Organizational Changes:

Bulldogs Announce Organizational Changes | Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Coquitlam Express Sign Kneidel:

Express sign Dartmouth College commit Mitchell Kneidel | Coquitlam Express

Crusaders Sign Anderson:

SIGNING: Crusaders Sign Poul Andersen for 2024/2025 Season | Sherwood Park Crusaders (spcrusaders.com)

Salmon Arm Signs Olsen:

Silverbacks sign a defenseman for 2024/25 | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Billet Family Nightmares:

The Death Pool – Billet Family Nightmares (thejuniorhockeynews.com)

Langley Rivermen Acquire Westshore Wolves:

THE LANGLEY RIVERMEN ACQUIRE THE WESTSHORE WOLVES OF THE VIJHL | Official Website of the Langley Rivermen

Vees Sign Wasmer:

Vees announce the signing of defenceman Julien Wasmer | Penticton Vees

Silverbacks Sign Ballantyne:

Silverbacks add BCHL experience in net | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Saying Goodbye - Anthony Cliche

The Vernon Vipers are saying goodbye to their graduating players from

the 2023-24 season.

The Vipers are saying goodbye to defenceman Anthony Cliche.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Anthony Cliche | Vernon Vipers

Anthony Cliche's Player Profile:

Anthony Cliche - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Vipers Alumni Lansdell & Skirving-Florida Everblades Win Kelly Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Jesse Lansdell & Todd Skirving & the

ECHL Florida Everblades won the Kelly Cup on Saturday after a 4-3 overtime win over the Kansas City Mavericks to win the best of seven series in five games. The Everblades become the first team in ECHL history to win three consecutive titles.

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

Florida claims third straight Kelly Cup title (echl.com)

Here is the press release from the Florida Everblades website,

Florida Everblades | HISTORY MADE; EVERBLADES WIN THIRD STRAIGHT KELLY CUP

Game highlights,

HISTORY MADE AS EVERBLADES WIN THIRD STRAIGHT KELLY CUP | Great Clips Of The Game 06-08-2024 (youtube.com)

Lansdell is in his first season with the ECHL Florida Everblades. In 6 regular season games, Lansdell collected (2-goals-0-assists-2-points). In 23 playoff games, Lansdell collected (0-goals-4-assists-4-points).

Lansdell played this season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Florida Everblades April 1st 2024. 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)

Skirving is in his first season with the ECHL Florida Everblades, recently signed with the Everblades April 6th 2024.

Skirving spent the past five seasons with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers before joining the Everblades in early April. In 60 regular season games with the Growlers, Skirving collected (8-goals-6-assists-14-points). In 4 regular season games with the Everblades, Skirving collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points). In 22 playoff games, Skirving has (2-goals-2-assists-4-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)

Vernon Vipers Name Lomicky Head Coach/Director Of Hockey Operations:

The Vernon Vipers have named former Assistant Coach/Interim Head

Coach Lukas Lomicky new Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations. while Assistant Coach Colton Sparrow will remain Assistant Coach and named Director of Player Personal & Recruiting.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Lomicky and Sparrow Extended | Vernon Vipers

Lukas Lomicky's player/Coaching Profile:

Lukas Lomicky - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Colton Sparrow's Player/Coaching Profile:

Colton Sparrow - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

NCAA And Major Junior Hockey Players Eligibility:

Over the past several months there has been lots of chatter about the status of CHL players in the NCAA. The Juniorhockeynews has more on this story.

Here is the story from the juniorhockeynews.com,

NCAA And Major Junior Hockey Players Eligibility – An Important Update (thejuniorhockeynews.com)

Miller Named BCHL Marketer Of The Year:

Vernon Vipers Executive Vice President Todd Miller has been named BCHL Marketer of the Year.

Image credit: BCHL

Here is the release from the BCHL & Vernon Vipers X pages,

Vernon Vipers on X: "We'd like to take a moment and acknowledge Todd and the entire marketing team for the hard work they put in this year! High attendance, community events and much more! Congratulations!! https://t.co/5xmHksX0NR" / X

Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Final Preview With Analyst/Former Vernon Laker Lindsay:

Andrew Paterson is joined by former Vernon Lakers forward Bill

Lindsay for an in depth conversation about the Panthers road to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Here is the interview from the Winnipeg Sports Talk YouTube page,

Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Final Preview with analyst Bill Lindsay (youtube.com)

Lindsay has spent the past fifteen seasons as the Florida Panthers radio color commentator, radio color analyst and television analyst.

Lindsay is a Florida Panthers Alumni, scored one of the biggest goals in Florida Panthers history. On April 27th 1996 Lindsay scored the game winning goal in Game 5 vs Boston to help the Panthers win the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Here is Bill Lindsay's game winning goal,

Bill Lindsey - The Goal (youtube.com)

More on the celebration of Lindsay's big goal. This story was from thehockeynews.com

Celebrating anniversary of Bill Lindsay's amazing goal clinching Florida Panthers first playoff series - The Hockey News Florida Panthers News, Analysis and More

Lindsay played three seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Tri-City Americans from 1989-1992 before signing his first professional contract with the Quebec Nordiques in 1992. Lindsay was drafted 103rd overall in Round 5 at the 1991 NHL Draft by the Quebec Nordiques. Lindsay played thirteen seasons in the NHL from 1992-2004 with Quebec, Florida, Calgary, San Jose, Montreal and Atlanta before retiring from professional hockey in 2007.

Lindsay played one season in Vernon with the 1988-89 Vernon Lakers. In 56 games, Lindsay collected (24-goals-29-assists-53-points).

The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Bill Lindsay's Player Profile:

Bill Lindsay - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Saying Goodbye - Noah Dorey

The Vernon Vipers are saying goodbye to their graduating players that

won't be back for the 2024-25 season.

First was Filip Krajcik, Owen Kim, Isaac Tremblay, Julian Facchinelli and next is defenceman Noah Dorey.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Noah Dorey | Vernon Vipers

Noah Dorey's Player Profile:

Noah Dorey - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

BCHL News & Trades:

BCHL News & Trades:

Trail Smoke Eaters Sign Matthews:

Matthews Signed for 2024-25 | Trail Smoke Eaters

Silverbacks Extend Stewart As Communications Manager & Broadcaster:

Silverbacks extend Zach Stewart as Communications Manager and Broadcaster | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Gourley Commits To Bulldogs:

Brayden Gourley Commits to Bulldogs | Blackfalds Bulldogs

Nikkel Leaves Warriors For Alberta Junior Hockey League:

AYRTON NIKKEL NAMED HEAD COACH OF AJHL’S BONNYVILLE PONTIACS | West Kelowna Warriors

Nanaimo Clippers Working On New Logo:

Nanaimo Clippers working on a new logo for next season - Nanaimo News Bulletin (nanaimobulletin.com)

Spruce Kings To Host Abbotsford Prospects Camp:

Spruce Kings To Host Abbotsford Prospects Camp | Prince George Spruce Kings

Silverbacks Sign Prokopetz:

Silverbacks add BCHL experience to the blue line | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Express Name Wagner Head Coach/Assistant General Manager:

Jeff Wagner Appointed Head Coach and Assistant General Manager of the Coquitlam Express | Coquitlam Express

Smoke Eaters Sign Coccimiglio:

Coccimiglio Signed for 2024-25 | Trail Smoke Eaters

Salmon Arm Silverbacks Sign Beamish:

Silverbacks add skilled forward for 2024/25 | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Byrd-Leitner Commits To Blackfalds Bulldogs:

Porter Byrd-Leitner Commits to Bulldogs | Blackfalds Bulldogs

Sherwood Park Crusaders Sign Loranger:

SIGNING: Jeremy Loranger Joins Crusaders for 2024/2025 Season | Sherwood Park Crusaders (spcrusaders.com)

Silverbacks Extend Assistant Coach/Goalie Coach Redmond:

Silverbacks extend Assistant Coach/Goalie Coach Angus Redmond | Salmon Arm Silverbacks (sasilverbacks.com)

Second Sexual Assault Trial For Former Vernon Laker Chase Adjourned:

Former Vernon Lakers defenceman/Assistant Coach Keith Chase facing a sexual assault charge has been adjourned.

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

Second sexual assault trial for Vernon businessman adjourned - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Chase currently owns Chasers Bottle depot in Vernon.

Chase played parts of four seasons in Vernon from 1982-1985 before being traded to the Merritt Centennials during the 1984-85 season. Chase would return to Vernon after being traded back to the Lakers and played his final two seasons in Vernon from 1986-1988. After his junior hockey career ended, Chase joined the Vernon Lakers as an assistant coach from 1988-1991. In 94 games with the Lakers, Chase collected (3-goals-11-assists-12-points).

The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Keith Chase's Player Profile:

Keith Chase - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Bandits Win 2024 Rocky Mountain Challenge:

The Brooks Bandits won the 2024 Rocky Mountain Challenge

June 1st 2024 after a 4-1 victory over the Surrey Eagles to win the best of three series 2-0

Image credit: Brooks Bandits

Here is the press release from the BCHL website,

Brooks Bandits win 2024 Rocky Mountain Challenge | BCHL League Site

Here are the game highlights from the Brooks Bandits YouTube page,

HIGHLIGHTS: Brooks Bandits vs Surrey Eagles (youtube.com)

Brooks Bandits goaltender Johnny Hicks played the past two seasons with the Merritt Centennials before leaving for the Alberta Junior Hockey League Brooks Bandits. Hicks left the Centennials and signed with the Bandits June 29th 2023. 

The Centennials traded the BCHL Playing Rights of Johnny Hicks to the Vernon Vipers January 10th 2024 for future considerations. At the time of the trade, the Bandits were in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, eventually joined the BCHL January 20th 2024.

Here is the press release on the Vipers-Hicks trade from January,

Vipers And Cents Swing Another Deal | Vernon Vipers

Johnny Hicks Player Profile:

Johnny Hicks - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Vernon’s Civic Memorial Park Pays Homage To Old Civic Arena:

The new Civic Memorial Park has been open for a while, but was unveiled last week, and it features many pieces of the old Vernon Civic Arena.

Here is the story from vernonmatters.ca,

Vernon’s Civic Memorial Park pays homage to old arena | Vernon Matters

The Civic Arena was the previous home to the Vernon Vipers who played in the arena from 1995-2001 before moving into the brand new Vernon Multi-Plex, now known as Kal Tire Place in 2001. Junior hockey was played in the Civic Arena starting in 1961 with the team having several different names, Vernon Jr. Canadians 1961-62, Vernon Blades 1962-67, Vernon Essos 1967-73, Vernon Vikings 1973-1978, Vernon Canadians 1978-79, Vernon Lakers 1980-1995, & Vernon Vipers 1995-present. On January 6th 2018 marked the 80th anniversary of the Civic Arena, where the Vernon Vipers & Prince George Spruce Kings played the final Junior hockey game.

The first hockey game took place 80 years ago that night, an exhibition game between the Vancouver Lions and Spokane Clippers on January 6th 1938. This isn't the first time the Vipers have had to play in the Civic Arena, since moving into Kal Tire Place in 2001. The Vipers were forced to play the BCHL League Finals in the Civic Arena vs the Surrey Eagles in 2005 and again in 2009 vs the AJHL Grande Prairie Storm during the Doyle Cup. Both series were forced into the Civic Arena due to the loggers convention in town-inside Kal Tire Place. The Civic Arena was listed at a seating capacity of 2,252 with 500 standing room and an ice surface listed at 180'x80'

The first nationally televised Centennial Cup was in Vernon in 1990 between the host Vernon Lakers vs the New Westminster Royals. The Lakers defeated the powerful New Westminster Royals in the 1990 Centennial Cup 6-5 in overtime in one of the greatest so called games in Junior hockey history. New West built up a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes, but couldnt hold onto the lead as Cam Sylven scored the game tying goal and the overtime winner in front of a packed Vernon Civic Arena.

1990 Centennial Cup highlights,

1990 Centennial Cup (youtube.com)

A local historian and videographer Francois Arsenault has dug up some footage of the Vernon Civic Arena.

1961 amateur hockey, Vernon Civic Arena, Vernon BC (youtube.com)

Saying Goodbye - Julian Facchinelli

The Vernon Vipers are saying goodbye to their graduating players that

won't be back for the 2024-25 season.

Next is Vernon Vipers forward Julian Facchinelli

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Julian Facchinelli | Vernon Vipers

Julian Facchinelli's Player Profile:

Julian Facchinelli - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)

Former Vernon Laker Chase Back In Court For Sexual Assault Retrial:

Former Vernon Lakers defenceman/Assistant Coach Keith Chase convicted of sexual assault in 2022 before having the ruling overturned was in Vernon Supreme Court Monday for a retrial.

Here is the story from Castanet.net,

Vernon business man back in court for sexual assault retrial - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Chase currently owns Chasers Bottle depot in Vernon.

Chase played parts of four seasons in Vernon from 1982-1985 before being traded to the Merritt Centennials during the 1984-85 season. Chase would return to Vernon after being traded back to the Lakers and played his final two seasons in Vernon from 1986-1988. After his junior hockey career ended, Chase joined the Vernon Lakers as an assistant coach from 1988-1991. In 94 games with the Lakers, Chase collected (3-goals-11-assists-12-points).

The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Keith Chase's Player Profile:

Keith Chase - Stats, Contract, Salary & More (eliteprospects.com)