Game Preview: Merritt @ Vernon:

Merritt (8-17-3-1) @ Vernon (13-12-0-4) 7pm

Tonight is the third of five regular season meetings vs the Merritt Centennials. The season series is tied 1-1

Vernon's record & stats vs the Centennials since 2002

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 82-28-11-4 vs Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon has outscored Merritt

475-319

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 41-10-2-5 at home vs Merritt

Since the 2002-03 regular season Vernon is 35-15-6-3 in Merritt

The Vipers are 9-1-0-0 in their last ten games vs Merritt

The Vipers are 8-2-0-0 vs Merritt in their last ten games in Merritt

The Vipers are 10-0-0-0 vs Merritt in their last ten games in Vernon

Vernon's last win at home vs Merritt was a 2-1 overtime victory on Saturday, November 12th 2022

Merritt's last win in Vernon was a 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday, January 5th 2019

Vernon's last regular season win in Merritt was a 4-1 victory on Wednesday, March 16th 2022

Merritt's last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 4-2 victory on Sunday, October 30th 2022

Here's a look at the 2022-23 regular season series vs Merritt

October 30th Vernon @ Merritt: Centennials won 4-2

November 12th Merritt @ Vernon: Vipers won 2-1 overtime

December 30th Merritt @ Vernon:

January 7th Merritt @ Vernon:

March 25th Vernon @ Merritt:

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The 13-12-0-4 Vernon Vipers are coming off the holiday break. The Snakes last game before the holidays was a 3-2 victory December 17th over the visiting Wenatchee Wild. Tonight's the second game of a three game home stand. Vernon has won four of their last five home games and has at least a single point in eight of their last nine home games. The Vipers with only eleven regular season home games remaining. The Vipers have won three of their last five games & won five of their last ten games. Vernon sits 7th in the Interior Division are a single point back of Trail & Salmon Arm.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

Vernon Vipers Roster 2022-23 Regular Season | BCHL League Site

Vernon Vipers Scoring Leaders:

Luke Pakulak (10-13-23)

Vernon Vipers 2022-23 Record/Stats:

Games Played: 29

Wins: 13

Losses: 12

Overtime Wins: 2

Overtime Losses: 0

Shootout Wins: 1

Shootout Losses: 4

Overtime Record: 2-0

Shootout Record: 1-4

Home Record: 10-4-0-2

Road Record: 3-8-0-2

When the Vipers score first: 6-4

When the opponents score first: 7-12

Leading after the 1st period: 4-3

Tied after the 1st period: 7-7

Trailing after the 1st period: 2-6

Leading after the 2nd period: 8-1

Tied after the 2nd period: 2-2

Trailing after the 2nd period: 3-13

Out shooting opponents: 5-1

Out shot by opponents: 8-14

One goal games: 8-6

Goals for: 73

Goals against: 96

Record in September: 0-3

Record in October: 6-4

Record in November: 3-6

Record in December: 4-3

Record vs Interior Division: 8-14

Record vs Coastal Division: 5-2

Longest winning streak: Three games 

Longest losing streak: Three games

Standings: 7th Place Interior Division

Vernon Vipers Returning Players:

Max Borovinskiy 04

Reagan Milburn 03

Luke Pakulak 03

Seiya Tanaka-Campbell 03

Luke Ashton 05

Griffen Barr 02

Anthony Cliche 03

Ayden Third 02

Roan Clarke 03

Ethan David 03

Vernon Vipers departed & traded players from last years team:

Luke Buss 03

JoJo Tanaka-Campbell 03

Jack Glen 01

Matthew Culling 01

Luke Lavery 04

Tyler Chan 05

Cameron MacDonald 02

Ryan Shostak 01

Copeland Fricker 03

Zack Tonelli 02

Cade McNelly 01

Talon Zakall 02

Nicholas Kent 01

Liam Cavan 02

Vernon's regular season home record vs Merritt

1-0-0-0

Vernon's regular season road record vs Merritt

0-1-0-0

Vernon's regular season scoring leaders vs Merrit:

Seiya Tanaka-Campbell (1-1-2)

Isaac Tremblay (0-2-2)

Ayden Third (0-1-1)

Reagan Milburn (1-0-1)

Lee Parks (0-1-1)

Thomas Tien (1-0-1)

Connor Elliott (0-1-1)

Hank Cleaves (0-1-1)

Anson McMaster (0-1-1)

Luke Pakulak (1-0-1)

Roan Clarke (0-1 Record)

Ethan David (1-0 Record)

Let's take a look at the Merritt Centennials:

The 8-17-3-1 Merritt Centennials make their second of three regular season visits to Kal Tire Place, are coming off the holiday break. Merritt's last game before the holidays was a 4-1 loss in Cranbrook December 17th. Tonight's the third game of a three game road trip. The Centennials have one win in their last twelve road games. This is the third meeting of the season with the Vipers. Merritt is 1-1 vs the Snakes. The last time these two teams played, the Vipers won 2-1 in overtime, November 12th in Vernon. The Cents have lost five straight games and lost eight of their last ten games. Merritt sits last in the Interior Division.

Merritt Centennials Roster:

Merritt Centennials Roster 2022-23 Regular Season | BCHL League Site

Merritt Centennials Scoring Leaders:

Jaxson Murray (9-18-27)

Centennials Assistant Coach Levi Stuart was a video coach & scout with the 2018-19 Vernon Vipers

Merritt Centennials Record/Stats:

Games Played: 29

Wins: 8

Losses: 17

Overtime Losses: 3

Shootout Losses: 1

Home Record: 5-8-1-1

Road Record: 3-9-2-0

Goals for: 85

Goals against: 133

Standings: 9th Place Interior Division

Merritt Centennials Returning Players: 

Walter Erickson 02

Jackson Krill 04

David Patella 04

Mark Thurston 03

Connor Farren 03

Tristan Allen 03

Johnny Hicks 05

Merritt Centennials departed and traded players from last years team: 

Jacob Dewitt 04

Geoff Bjarnason 03

Will Bowman 02

Ashton Taylor 03

Ben Ward 01

Chase Cooke 03

Anton Sorensen 02

Josh Olson 01

Drew Dornan 04

Jakob Jones 03

Liam Davidson 04

Levi Carter 03

Sam Boldt 03

Peyton Trzaska 02

Jackson Baker 03

Merritt's regular season home record vs Vernon 

1-0-0-0

Merritt's regular season road record vs Vernon 

0-0-1-0

Merritt Centennials regular season scoring leaders vs Vernon 

Jackson Krill (1-2-3)

Mark Thurston (1-1-2)

Connor Farren (1-1-2)

Kyle Isenberg (1-0-1)

Christian Lowe (0-1-1)

Carter Patterson (0-1-1)

Davide Patella (0-1-1)

Jaxson Murray (1-0-1)

Johnny Hicks (1-1 Record)

Vernon Vipers Sign Ross:

The Vernon Vipers have signed 16 year old forward Bronson Ross.

Here is the press release from the Vernon Vipers website,

Vipers Sign Bronson Ross | Vernon Vipers

Winnipeg Freeze select Ross 58th overall at 2022 MJHL Draft,

Winnipeg Freeze on Twitter: "With the 58th pick in the 2022 MJHL Draft, The Winnipeg Freeze select Bronson Ross. Welcome to the Freeze, Bronson! https://t.co/LIfaQtiINa" / Twitter

Bronson Ross's Player Profile:

Bronson Ross - Elite Prospects

Former Viper Defenceman Bourgeois Suspended:

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Adam Bourgeois has been suspended

two games for receiving a major penalty and a game misconduct for a Blow to the Head.

Here is the report from the BCHL website,

Discipline | BCHL League Site

Bourgeois is in his first season with the Cowichan Capitals. Bourgeois is pointless in 3 games.

Bourgeois committed to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Melfort Mustangs July 19th 2022 but never played a game. Bourgeois started the 2022-23 season with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League North Okanagan Knights, was an affiliated player with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks before recently joining the Cowichan Capitals. In 17 games with the Knights, Bourgeois collected (3-goals-10-assists-13-points) & went pointless in 1 game with the Silverbacks.

Bourgeois played last season with the Cariboo Cougars U18, Summerland Steam, Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors.

Bourgeois committed to the Vernon Vipers July 31st 2021. Bourgeois went pointless in 18 games last season with the Vipers, was released January 10th 2022. Bourgeois finished last season as an affiliated player with the West Kelowna Warriors.

Adam's father Sean Bourgeois played two seasons in Vernon from 1991-1993 with the Vernon Lakers & was an Assistant Coach with the Vernon Vipers from 2001-2005. The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Adam Bourgeois's Player Profile:

Adam Bourgeois - Elite Prospects

Hurricanes Bring Back Ex Viper Kisio For 8th Season:

The Western Hockey League Lethbridge Hurricanes have brought

back former Vernon Vipers forward Brent Kisio for an eighth season, as Head Coach.

Here is the press release from the Lethbridge Hurricanes website,

AGM Recap – Lethbridge Hurricanes

Kisio & the Hurricanes currently sit 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 20-13-0-1 record.

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 - Elite Prospects

HC Davos Name Vernon Lakers Alumni Metropolit Assistant Coach:

HC Davos has named former Vernon Lakers

forward Glen Metropolit Assistant Coach.

Here is the story from www.blick.ch,

National League: Ex-striker star Metropolit is HCD assistant coach - Blick

HC Davos is a professional Swiss ice hockey team based in Davos, Switzerland.

Metropolit & HC Davos defeated Canada 2-1 on Tuesday at the Spengler Cup. 

Metropolit retired from professional hockey in 2017. Metropolit last played professional hockey with the HCB Foxes. Metropolit left the team for family reasons during the 2016-17 season. The HCB Foxes or also known as Hockey Club Bolzano-Bozen Foxes is an Italian ice hockey team located in the city of Bolzano, South Tyrol, that plays in the Austrian Hockey League.

Metropolit got into coaching in 2020, was Head Coach of Jenkins High in Florida for the 2020-21 season and an Assistant Coach in Turkey during the 2021-22 season.

Metropolit was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in November 2019.

Metropolit was never drafted played eight seasons in the NHL with seven different teams (Washington, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, St. Louis, Boston, Philadelphia & Montreal) One season in the ECHL with Nashville, three seasons in the IHL with (Quebec, Atlanta & Grand Rapids), seven seasons overseas playing with five different teams (EV Zug, HC Lugano, SC Bern, Adler Mannheim & HC Bolzano) in three different leagues (NLA, DEL & EBEL). Metropolit was also captain for Team Canada at the 2014 Spengler Cup.

Metropolit played one season in Vernon with the 1994-95 Vernon Lakers. In 60 games with the Lakers, Metropolit lead the team in scoring with (43-goals-74-assists-117-points).

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

Glen Metropolit's Player Profile:

Glen Metropolit - Elite Prospects

Savannah Ghost Pirates Activate Vipers Alumni Hanson From Reserve:

The ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates have activated former Vernon Vipers

goaltender Darion Hanson from reserve.

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - Nov. 16

Hanson is in his first season with the ECHL Savannah Ghost Pirates. The Ghost Pirates signed Hanson August 9th 2022.

Hanson started the 2022-23 season with the Ghost Pirates before the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters signed Hanson to a professional tryout (PTO) contract November 3rd 2022. The Monsters returned Hanson to the ECHL November 8th 2022.

Hanson played the 2021-22 season at the University of Conneticut, before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Lehigh Valley Phantoms March 29th 2022. Hanson didn’t play a game with the Phantoms was released April 8th 2022. The ECHL Reading Royals signed Hanson April 8th 2022. The Royals loaned Hanson to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms April 9th 2022. Hanson never played a game with the Phantoms.

In 35 games at the University of Conneticut, Hanson went 20-15 with a 2.24 GAA Hanson become the first Huskies goaltender to record 20 wins in a season, setting a new school record. 

Hanson was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in 2020 was invited to the Philadelphia Flyers development camp in 2017, Toronto Maple Leafs development camp in 2018 and the Buffalo Sabres development camp in 2019.

Hanson played parts of one season in Vernon with the 2016-17 Vernon Vipers. The Vipers acquired Hanson from the United States Hockey League Youngstown Phantoms November 18th 2016. No details on the trade were released. In 21 games with the Vipers, Hanson went 14-4 with 2 shutouts and a 1.84 GAA

Darion Hanson’s Player Profile:

Darion Hanson - Elite Prospects

Cincinnati Cyclones Activate Ex Viper Forward Andrusiak From Injured Reserve:

The ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones have activated former Vernon Vipers forward

Zach Andrusiak from Injured Reserve.

Here is the report from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - Nov. 16

Andrusiak is in his second season with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones.

Andrusiak split the 2021-22 season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads, Cincinnati Cyclones & American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners. Andrusiak started the 2021-22 season with the Steelheads was traded to Cincinnati January 25th 2022. The Cyclones loaned Andrusiak to the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners March 3rd 2022. Andrusiak went pointless in two games with the Roadrunners, was returned to Cincinnati March 11th 2022.

Andrusiak played three seasons in the Western Hockey League from 2016-2019 with Tri-Cities, Seattle, Prince Albert & Everett before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads August 8th 2019.

Andrusiak started the 2015-16 season with the Western Hockey League Tri-City Americans, was released early into the 2015-16 season. The Vernon Vipers signed Andrusiak October 1st 2015. Andrusiak was released November 5th 2015. In 15 games with the Vipers, Andrusiak collected (0-goals-2-assists-2-points).

Zach Andrusiak's Player Profile:

Zack Andrusiak - Elite Prospects

Former Vernon Laker Salmond-Canada Open Spengler Cup With Loss To Sparta Prague:

Former Vernon Lakers forward Scott Salmond & Team Canada opened the 2022 Spengler Cup on Boxing Day with a 3-2 loss to Sparta Prague. Canada's next game is December 27th 2022 vs HC Davos.

Here is the Game Summary from Hockeycanada.ca,

Game Summaries - 2022 Spengler Cup - Canada - HC Sparta Prague (hockeycanada.ca)

Here is the story from dailyfaceoff.com,

Spengler Cup Roundup: Sparta Praha, Ambri-Piotta win on Day 1 - Daily Faceoff

Salmond is Canada’s Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations. Salmond has been involved with Team Canada from 2001-2022.

Salmond played parts of two years in Vernon (1988-1990) before being traded to the Kelowna Spartans during the 1989-90 season. In 52 games with the Vernon Lakers, Salmond collected (7-goals-26-assists-33-points). Salmond played in the BCJHL with Vernon, Kelowna, Bellingham & Merritt from 1988-1992. 

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

Scott Salmond's Player/Coaching Profile:

Scott Salmond - Elite Prospects

Former Vernon Viper Stapley Activated From ECHL Commissioner's Exempt List:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Brett Stapley has been activated from the

ECHL Commissioner’s Exempt List.

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - Nov. 10

Stapley is in his first season with the ECHL Trois-Rivières Lions. 

Stapley played the past 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 - Elite Prospects

Bridgeport Islanders Recall Vipers Alumni Lambert From Railers:

The American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders have

recalled former Vernon Vipers forward Jimmy Lambert from the ECHL Worcester Railers.

Here is the transaction from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - Dec. 1

Lambert is in his first season with the ECHL Worcester Railers. In 20 games, Lambert has (8-goals-7-assists-15-points).

Lambert played the past four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2018-2022.

The American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders signed Lambert April 18th 2022 on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) before signing Lambert to a professional contract April 19th 2022. The Bridgeport Islanders sent Lambert to the ECHL Worcester Railers October 20th 2022.

Lambert attended the Calgary Flames development camp in 2018 & the 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 - Elite Prospects

9th Annual Vernon Vipers Christmas Quiz Video:

The Vernon Vipers have released their 9th annual Christmas Quiz video for the Holidays.

Here is the Vernon Vipers Christmas Quiz from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

9th Annual Vipers Christmas Quiz - YouTube

Cranbrook Bucks Trade Ex Viper Blackburn To Hawks:

The Cranbrook Bucks have traded former Vernon Vipers forward

William Blackburn to the CCHL Hawkesbury Hawks.

Here is the press release from the Cranbrook Bucks website,

Roster Movements Before December 1 Deadline | Cranbrook Bucks

Blackburn went pointless in two games with the Bucks. 

Blackburn committed to the Vernon Vipers January 17th 2022 for the 2022-23 season. The Vernon Vipers traded Blackburn & future considerations to the Cranbrook Bucks November 22nd 2022 for Ethan Sundar. Blackburn went pointless in 12 games with the Vipers.

William Blackburn's Player Profile:

William Blackburn - Elite Prospects

Former Viper Seguin Among League's Best Since Being United On The Pontiacs Top Line:

Nicolas Beaudoin, Matteo Giampa, and former Vernon Vipers forward Max Seguin have been among the league's best since being united on the team's top line.

Here is the full story from lakelandconnect.net,

Giampa, Beaudoin, Seguin shine in Pontiacs romp over Thunder - Lakeland Connect

Seguin is in his first season with the Alberta Junior Hockey League Bonnyville Pontiacs. In 33 games, Seguin has (14-goals-17-assists-31-points).

Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Liam Cavan & forward Ludovik Tardif also play with the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

Seguin committed to the Vernon Vipers December 2nd 2021 for the 2022-23 season. Seguin went pointless in 5 preseason games with the Vernon Vipers before being released before the start of the 2022-23 regular season. Shortly after being released, Seguin joined the AJHL Bonnyville Pontiacs. 

Max Seguin's Player Profile:

Max Seguin - Elite Prospects

Clan Sign Former Viper Goaltender Taylor:

The Elite Ice Hockey League Glasgow Clan have signed former

Vernon Vipers goaltender Ty Taylor.

Here is the press release from the Glasgow Clan website,

SIGNING: Taylor completes Clan netminding trio - Glasgow Clan (clanihc.com)

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 started the 2021-22 season at Grant MacEwan University before signing his first professional contract with the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears February 24th 2022. In 1 game last season with the Solar Bears, Taylor went 0-0 with a 2.33 GAA. 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 played three seasons at the University of New Hampshire from 2018-2021 before transfering to Grant MacEwan University for the 2021-22 season, his final year of college hockey. 

Taylor was drafted 214th overall in Round 7 by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

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 shutouts 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 - Elite Prospects

Capitals Add Former Vernon Viper Bourgeois To Roster:

The Cowichan Capitals have added former Vernon Vipers

defenceman Adam Bourgeois to their roster. 

No official press release from the Capitals, as Bourgeois is listed on the teams roster/website.

Cowichan Capitals roster,

Cowichan Valley Capitals Roster 2022-23 Regular Season | BCHL League Site

Bourgeois committed to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Melfort Mustangs July 19th 2022 but never played a game. Bourgeois started the 2022-23 season with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League North Okanagan Knights, was an affiliated player with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. In 17 games with the Knights, Bourgeois collected (3-goals-10-assists-13-points) & went pointless in 1 game with the Silverbacks.

Bourgeois played last season with the Cariboo Cougars U18, Summerland Steam, Vernon Vipers & West Kelowna Warriors.

Bourgeois committed to the Vernon Vipers July 31st 2021. Bourgeois went pointless in 18 games last season with the Vipers, was released January 10th 2022. Bourgeois finished last season as an affiliated player with the West Kelowna Warriors.

Adam's father Sean Bourgeois played two seasons in Vernon from 1991-1993 with the Vernon Lakers & was an Assistant Coach with the Vernon Vipers from 2001-2005. The Vernon Lakers were around from 1980-1995 before changing their name to the Vernon Vipers in 1995.

Adam Bourgeois's Player Profile:

Adam Bourgeois - Elite Prospects

Railers Place Vipers Alumni Coughlin On Reserve:

The ECHL Worcester Railers have placed former Vernon Vipers forward

Liam Coughlin on reserve.

Here is the report from the ECHL website,

ECHL Transactions - Dec. 7

Coughlin is in his second season with the Railers. Coughlin signed with the Railers as a free agent August 3rd 2021.

Coughlin split the 2021-22 season between the ECHL & American Hockey League. Coughlin played with the ECHL Worcester Railers, American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders, Springfield Thunderbirds & Providence Bruins. 

Coughlin signed a professional tryout contract with the American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders December 28th 2021 was released after going pointless in 2 games with the Islanders. The Railers loaned Coughlin to the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds January 6th 2022 was returned to the ECHL after one assist in 2 games with the Thunderbirds. The American Hockey League Providence Bruins signed Coughlin to a professional tryout contract April 29th 2022

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 - Elite Prospects

1958-59 Vernon Canadians Footage:

A Vernon historian uncovered footage from a 1958-59 Vernon Canadians-Nelson Maple Leafs game from the Vernon Civic Arena.

Here is the story and footage from Castanet.net,

Vernon historian uncovers footage of demolished Civic Arena from 1961 - Vernon News - Castanet.net

Pats Release Ex Vernon Viper MacInnes:

The Western Hockey League Regina Pats have released former

Vernon Vipers goaltender Koen MacInnes.

Here is the story from the Regina Leader-Post,

Regina Pats trade Adam McNutt to Swift Current Broncos | Regina Leader Post

MacInnes played last season with the Western Hockey League Everett Silvertips, was traded to the Regina Pats May 19th 2022. In 2 games, MacInnes went 0-2 with a 6.08 GAA

MacInnes started his Western Hockey League career with the Saskatoon Blades. MacInnes played two seasons in Saskatoon from 2019-2021 was traded to the Everett Silvertips August 12th 2021.

MacInnes played with the Saskatoon Blades from 2018-2020 before signing with the Vernon Vipers October 27th 2020. MacInnes played parts of the 2020-21 season with the Vernon Vipers during the Okanagan Cup. In 4 exhibition games with the Vipers, MacInnes went 1-1 with 1 shutout and a 1.95 GAA before returning to the Saskatoon Blades in February 2021.

Koen MacInnes's Player Profile:

Koen MacInnes - Elite Prospects

Former Viper Forward Lambert Nominated For ECHL Rookie Of The Month:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Jimmy Lambert was nominated for

the ECHL Rookie of the Month for November.

Here is the press release from the ECHL website,

Iowa's Pastujov named Howies Hockey Tape/ECHL Rookie of the Month

Lambert is in his first season with the ECHL Worcester Railers. In 19 games, Lambert has (8-goals-7-assists-15-points).

Lambert played the past four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2018-2022.

The American Hockey League Bridgeport Islanders signed Lambert April 18th 2022 on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) before signing Lambert to a professional contract April 19th 2022. The Bridgeport Islanders sent Lambert to the ECHL Worcester Railers October 20th 2022.

Lambert attended the Calgary Flames development camp in 2018 & the 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 - Elite Prospects

Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers Alumni Mick On Billet Families:

Former Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers alumni Troy Mick talks

about billets and billet families.

Here is the interview from the NCWLIFE YouTube Channel,

Troy Mick on Billet Families 2022-07-14 - YouTube

Mick joined the Wenatchee Wild’s organization February 7th 2022. Mick was named Hockey Director and Head Coach of the Wenatchee Wolves 18UAAA team and the Wenatchee Wilderness 16UAAA team. Mick took over April 1st 2022.

Mick spent last season as Head Coach of the Philadelphia Hockey Club 16U team. Prior to coaching in Philadelphia, Mick spent the previous six seasons in the BCHL with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks as General Manager, Head Coach and President and part owner.

Mick was also involved in coaching in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League & Western Hockey League with Revelstoke, Portland, Kamloops & Tri-Cities from 2000-2010.

Mick played three seasons of semi pro hockey in the IHL & ECHL from 1990-1993 before retiring from professional hockey due to injury.

Mick played two seasons in Vernon from 1984-1986 with the Vernon Lakers before being traded to the Merritt Warriors during the 1985-86 season. In 17 games with the Lakers, Mick collected (4-goals-8-assists-12-points). Mick was also an Assistant Coach and in charge of marketing with the Vernon Lakers from 1993-1995 Mick was also an Assistant Coach with the 1995-96 Vernon Vipers before being named Head Coach/GM for the 1996-97 season. Mick was Head Coach/GM of the Vernon Vipers from 1996-2000 before returning to Vernon as GM from 2005-2007. 

Mick was drafted in Round 7 130th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. 

Troy Mick's Player/Coaching Profile:

Troy Mick - Elite Prospects

Bulldogs Trade Ex Viper Tardif To Bonnyville Pontiacs:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have traded former Vernon Vipers

forward Ludovik Tardif to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Bonnyville Pontiacs.

The trade is listed on the BCHL website,

Transactions | BCHL League Site

Tardif joins former Vernon Vipers defenceman Liam Cavan and former Vernon Vipers forward Max Seguin who also play for the Pontiacs.

The Vernon Vipers traded Ludovik Tardif to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs October 13th 2022 for future considerations. Tardif committed to the Vernon Vipers November 9th 2021 for the 2022-23 season. In 5 games with the Vipers, Tardif collected (0-goals-1-assist-1-point).

Ludovik Tardif's Player profile:

Ludovik Tardif - Elite Prospects

Hytec Weekly Wrap Up With Jason McKee:

Graham Turnbull talks with Vernon Vipers Head Coach/GM Jason McKee after

Saturday's 3-2 victory over the visiting Wenatchee Wild.

Here is the interview from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Hytec Weekly Wrap Up 12-19-2022 - YouTube

HC Grotto Sign Vipers Alumni Martin:

HC Grotto has signed former Vernon Vipers forward Craig Martin.

Here is the story from www.sport7.sk,

Prešov does not shy away either. Grotto also fished overseas | Šport7.sk (sport7.sk)

HC Grotto is an ice hockey team playing in the Slovak Extraliga. They play in the city of Prešov, Slovakia.

Martin played the past three seasons with the ECHL Jacksonville Icemen. In 66 games last season, Martin collected (25-goals-35-assists-60-points).

The Icemen loaned Martin to the American Hockey League Charolotte Checkers January 3rd 2022. Martin went pointless in 3 games with the Checkers, was released and returned to the ECHL January 26th 2022.

Martin played four seasons at Quinnipiac University from 2015-2019 before signing his first professional contract with the American Hockey League Springfield Thunderbirds April 2nd 2019. Martin didn't play a game with the Thunderbirds, was released, later signing with the ECHL Adirondak Thunder July 8th 2019. The Thunder traded Martin to Jacksonville November 26th 2019.

Martin played parts of two seasons in Vernon from 2011-2013. The Vipers traded Martin and future considerations to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs October 1st 2013 for Jared Wilson. In 46 games with the Vipers, Martin collected (10-goals-13-assists-23-points). Martin played parts of four seasons in the BCHL with Vernon, Alberni Valley & Trail from 2011-2015.

Craig Martin's Player Profile:

Craig Martin - Elite Prospects

Vernon Vipers 2022 Teddy Bear Toss Goal:

Vernon Vipers defenceman Dylan Compton opened the scoring and

scored the Vernon Vipers annual "teddy bear toss" goal at 1:51 of the 2nd period in a 3-2 win over the visiting Wenatchee Wild December 17th 2022.

Here is the goal from the Vernon Vipers YouTube page,

Vipers 2022 Teddy Bear Toss Goal - YouTube

Vernon Vipers Teddy Bear Toss History:

Here are some of the previous Vernon Vipers goals on "Teddy Bear Toss Night"

2008 Kevin Kraus

2009 Sawyer Mick

2009 Teddy Bear Toss - YouTube

2010 Dylan Walchuk

Teddy Bear Toss 2010 - YouTube

2011 Darren Nowick

2012 Liam Board

2013 Colton Sparrow

Sparrow Goal Teddy Bear Toss Vernon Vipers BCHL - YouTube

2014 Thomas Aldworth

GoPro Highlight Goal - Vipers Teddy Bear Toss - YouTube

2015 Latrell Charleson

2015 Vipers Teddy Bear Toss Goal - YouTube

2016 Niko Karamanis

Vipers 2016 Teddy Bear Toss Goal - YouTube

2017 Niko Karamanis

12.9.17 Vernon vs Penticton Post Game - YouTube

2018 Jagger Williamson

2019 Matt Kowalski 

Kowalksi Teddy Bear Toss GOTG - YouTube

2020 No Teddy Bear Toss due to COVID-19

2021 Luke Lavery

Teddy Bear Toss 2021 Goal - YouTube

2022 Dylan Compton

Vipers 2022 Teddy Bear Toss Goal - YouTube