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For the 1973-74 season the Vernon franchise, changed its name to the Vernon Vikings. They would remain the Vernon Vikings through till the end of the 1977-78 season.

Vern Dye

Vern Dye became sole owner when he bought the team from the owners of the Esso's, Dave McKay, Hal Gordon, Ernie Kowal, Bill Roth, Roly Samartino, N. Schuck, R. Fish, A. Melbourne, J. Gradner, B. Willows, G. Wenman, L. York, D. Heichert. ?

Vern Dye ran the team in all departments for the 1973-74 season. As Coach Vern Dye's record was R.S. 64GP-37W-26L-1T -- P.O. 4GP-0W-4L.

For the 1974-76 seasons Vern Dye replaced himself for two seasons as Manager/Coach with Joe Tennant (1974-76) R.S. 132GP-78W-51L-3T -- P.O. 15GP-8W-7L.

Even though the Vernon Vikings won the league pennant in 1976 they bowed out in the second round of the playoffs that year, losing nine points to one, in an eight point series (4L - 1T). This would be the only time the league used an eight point series.

In the season of 1976-77 Vern Dye would once again command the team, taking on the role of Owner, Manager and Coach(1976-77) R.S. 68GP-28W-37L-2T -- P.O. 6GP-2W-4L. This would be Verns' last stint as Coach(1973-74, 1976-77), R.S. 132GP-66W-63L-3T -- P.O. 10GP-2W-8L.

The club Owner & GM was Vern Dye. Manager of the club was former Trainer Roly Samartino for the 1977-78 season. A local hockey legend guided the team for part of the season as Coach, his name was Sheldon Bloomer(1977-78 partial). Another local hockey legend took over for Sheldon, his name was Hank Wensley(1977-78 partial). The combined record for these two coaches was, R.S. 66GP-10W-56L-0T. If you have the records for these coaches please, contact me.

After sixteen consecutive playoff appearances, for the franchise, the Vernon Vikings were the first team to not make them in 1977-78 season.

After a team year-end function at the Vernon Lodge, it is rumored, Vern Dye was charged approximately $20.000.00 for damages, which lead to him wanting to sell the team.(source Greg Kvisle)

The Vern Dye sells the team to a new "5 man group". which includes Hank Aarsen Sr., Sheldon Bloomer and Ray Williment Sr.* *-Who were the others??, if you know please, contact me.

If you have anything to add please, feel free to email me at ( admin "at" vernonjrahockey "dot" ca )

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In its 5 years (1973-74 to 1977-78 ), as the Vernon Vikings, the franchise has achieved the following highlight...

• 1 - League Pennant
• 1976

In 1978 the Viking became the first franchise team, since 1961, not to make the league playoffs.

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