4 - TIME NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
VERNON VIPERS
1995 - 2023

VERNON VIPERS

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For the 1995-96 season the Vernon franchise changed its name to the Vernon Vipers and presently retains that name.

This edition of the franchise would establish itself as an elite, of the elite, junior "A" hockey team in league, regional and national levels.

Owner - Duncan Wray

Vernon Vipers Logo 1995

The Logo

Duncan Wray and Troy Mick tossed around different ideas for a new nickname logo. They decided on Vipers which just sounded good with Vernon. They knew there were rattlesnakes in the valley not vipers but, stuck with the name Vipers.

A friend of Mick's, whom was in the marketing field, designed the logo. The Okangan Sun in the backround, crossed hockey sticks, two stylized V's (for Vernon vipers) and the snake.

Duncan Wray's coach would still be Rob Bremner for the 1995-96 season.

Coach - Rob Bremner

Under the leadership of GM/Coach Rob Bremner, 1996, was one of Vernons' best years. This impressive year culminated with the Vernon Vipers first, and the franchises third, national title.

  • 1995-96; Regular Season 60GP-43W-17L & Playoffs 29GP-23W-6L

Rob Bremner would end his association with the club after the 1995-96 season.

  • Over-all Regular Season 240GP-137W-103L & Playoffs 55GP-33W-22L

Coach - Troy Mick

Rob Bremner's Assist Coach, Troy Mick, would take over for him as GM/Coach for the 1996-97 season.

In the first two years of the club being operated by Troy Mick(1996-98), Regular Season 120GP-74W-46L -- Playoffs 21GP-12W-9L, they did have some success in the leagues playoffs.

  • 1996-97: Regular Season 60GP-41W-19L & Playoffs 14GP-9W-5L
  • 1997-98: Regular Season 60GP-33W-27L & Playoffs 7GP-3W-4L

Three short years after winning the inaugural 1996 Royal Bank Cup, national title, the Vernon Vipers would once again returned to the National stage, in 1999. Troy Mick and his Vernon Vipers accomplished this with an amazing regulaRegular Season ason of 52 wins and 6 loses with 2 Ties. which is currently the franchises best season. The year ended with the Vernon Vipers capturing it's second and the franchises fourth National title.

  • 1998-99: Regular Season 60GP-52W-8L & Playoffs 29GP-22W-7L

Of note during the 1999 playoff run was the fact that the Vernon Vipers are the only British Columbia Hockey League team to lose to a team from the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League. they lost one game, 7-6, in a best-of-five Playoffsincial series, to the Kimberly Dynamiters. It should also be noted however, that Vernon played with a Junior "B" backup goaltender in the loss due to injuries of their regular two goaltenders.

Following the 1999 National ChamPlayoffsship season, Troy Mick who always said,"We don't rebuild, We reload", once again journeyed to the League Finals.

  • 1999-2000, Regular Season 60GP-35W-25L & Playoffs 18GP-9W-9L

This would end Troy Micks' run with the club, as Coach. However, he did return in 2005-06 but, never coached and quit before the season started citing medical issues.

  • Over-all: Regular Season 249GP-161W-79L & Playoffs 68GP-43W-25L

Coach - Joe Oliver

Taking over for Troy Mick was his Assistant Coach, Joe Oliver. The 2000-01 season turned out to be an extreme disapointment for the franchise. The Vernon Vipers had a losing regular season, thus failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 1982. GM/Coach Joe Oliver, needless to say, did not return for the next season.

  • 2000-01; Regular Season 60GP-24W-26L-10T

Coach - Mike Vandekamp

Duncan Wray would hire, as his next GM/Coach, Mike Vandekamp. Mike ran the club for the next four years. In those four seasons he had consecutive years of some minor playoff success. The highlight of which was a League title in 2002-03.

  • 2001-02; Regular Season 60GP-33W-22L-6T & Playoffs 17GP-10W-7L
  • 2002-03; Regular Season 60GP-47W-13L & Playoffs 18GP-10W-4L
  • 2003-04; Regular Season 60GP-37W-22L-1T & Playoffs 5GP-1W-4L
  • 2004-05; Regular Season 60GP-42W-15L-3T & Playoffs 14GP-9W-5L

Having maintained a competitive level for the club, in his four years, Mike Vandekamp would be replaced for the 2005-06 season.

  • Over-all; Regular Season 240GP-159W-71L-10T & Playoffs 54GP-34W-20L

GM/Coach - Troy Mick

Returning, in 2005-06, for one last "kick at the can" was none other than "fan favorite" GM/Coach, Troy Mick. However, Troy would step down, as coach, prior to season start citing health issues. Troy would however, remain as the General Manager thru to May 31, 2007.

Coach - Berni Pimm

Troys' Associate Coach would be promoted to Coach, Berni Pimm. This season however, would be disapointing as, the club exited the playoffs in the first round.

  • 2005-06; Regular Season 60GP-36W-22L-2T & Playoffs 10GP-5W-5L

Coach - Mark Holick

Mark Holick was very quickly hired, for the 2006-07 Vernon Vipers, when Mick resigned. GM/Coach was Mark Holick. Mark helped the club to advance to the League finals which, they lost. Holick did not return for the following season.

  • 2006-07; Regular Season 60GP-37W-22L-1T & Playoffs 22GP-14W-8L

GM/Coach - Mark Ferner

Coming over from the Kamloops Blazers organization, to be the next GM/Coach, was Mark Ferner. Ferner would lead the club for the next four seasons.

  • 2007-08; Regular Season 60GP-37W-22L-2T & Playoffs 10GP-6W-4L

After the team was eliminated in the second round of the 2008 league playoffs. He would maneuvered the club to not one but, two national titles.

In 2009 the Vernon Vipers swept through the league playoffs only losing five games. They would then go undefeated the Regular Season of the way to the national tournament. Even in the tournament they went undefeated to the finals, which they also won. This would be the franchises fifth national title and third for the Vernon Vipers.

  • 2008-09; Regular Season 60GP-42W-17L-1T & Playoffs 27GP-22W-5L

Once again, in 2010, the Vernon Vipers would win a national title. This accomplishment is only the third time a team has won back-to-back National ChamPlayoffsships, he others being the Prince Albert Raiders (1981 & 1982) and the Vernon Lakers (1990 & 1991). This would also, make the Vernon junior A franchise the only one to win back-to-back twice. To add one more accolade, The Vernon Vipers 4th National Title ties them with the Prince Albert Raiders, although it is the 6th for the Franchise which is a Canadian Record.

  • 2009-10; Regular Season 60GP-51W-9L-0T & Playoffs 32GP-21W-11L

A special note on the 2010-11 season for the Vipers was that of the 60 regular season games played, 20 went to overtime. Their record for those overtime games is, 20GP - 7W - 9L - 4T. (1\3 of a season went to overtime, gotta be some sort of record!)

Ferner lead the Vipers to it's third consecutive appearance to the National Tournament. Being undefeated, heading into the final, they lost to Pembrook, 2-0.

  • 2010-11; Regular Season 60GP-36W-20L-4T & Playoffs 29GP-21W-8L

Mark Ferner would leave the Vipers after the 2010-11 season to pursue other interests however, he would return.

Coach - Jason Williamson

Vernon Vipers Logo 2011

To replace Mark Ferner, Duncan Wray would hire Ferner's Assistant Coach, former player and Captain(2002) of the Vipers, Jason Williamson.

The Vernon Vipers failed to make the playoffs in back-to-back years, for Williamson's first two years coachin. This is only the second time in franchise history that this occurred.

  • 2011-12; Regular Season 60GP-30W-29L-1T
  • 2012-13; Regular Season 56GP-21W-34L-1T

As the Vipers were hosting the National Tournament they returned to their winning ways in 2013-14. The Vipers advanced thru the three rounds of league playoffs before falling in the league final. However, in the National Tournament, they advanced as far as the semifinals losing 6-3 to Yorkton.

  • 2013-14; Regular Season 58GP-30W-24L-4T & Playoffs 24GP-12W-12L

This would be the end of Jason Williamsons' job with the Vernon Vipers.

  • Over-all; Regular Season 174GP-81W-87L-6T & Playoffs 24GP-12W-12L

Coach - Mark Ferner

The next GM/Head Coach would be a familiar face to Viper fans as Mark Ferner would return to the fold. Frener's second tenure with to club would last five seasons.

  • 2014-15; Regular Season 58GP-36W-21L-1T & Playoffs 11GP-7W-4L
  • 2015-16; Regular Season 58GP-24W-34L-0T & Playoffs 5GP-1W-4L
  • 2016-17; Regular Season 58GP-30W-24L-4T & Playoffs 12GP-7W-5L

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

Owner - Libby Wray

Vernon Vipers Logo 1995

Vipers Owner, Dr. Duncan Wray , passed away on January 11, 2018. His wife Libby became owner and governor upon his passing. Libby would sell the club, officially, to new owners on September 7, 2018.

Coach Ferner

Still grieving the loss of not only the Owner, Duncan Wray but, also that of a good friend, Mark Ferner "rallied the troops" to an impressive end to the season.

  • Regular Season 15GP-11W-4L & Playoffs 21GP-12W-9L

Side Note: Since buying the team in 1992, Duncan Wray became known as a very hands-on team owner, always interacting with fans, and watching his Vipers play. During Duncans's time as the Vipers owner, the team won twelve (12) Interior Conference pennants, three (3) BCHL regular season titles, seven (7) BCHL ChamPlayoffsships, and six (6) Doyle Cups, four (4) National ChamPlayoffsships plus one runner up. Duncan Wray was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011, with his 1998-99 Vernon Vipers following suit in 2016.

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

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Owners - John & Tom Glen

Vernon Vipers Logo 2019

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club announced an ownership change September 7, 2018. The Club had been sold by owner Libby Wray and had been purchased by Tom and John Glen.

Vernon Vipers owners Tom & John Glen of Olympic Auto Group have recently purchased Vernon's Hilltop Subaru.

BCHL Q & A

BCHL - Have you been involved with a team as an owner before?

JG - I've never been involved as an owner, however in the past seven years with Spruce Grove (Saints, AJHL), I've worn many different hats from scouting to player development, recruitment. I don't think I drove the bus but that would be about the only thing I didn't do with the Saints (laughs). But I have a good understanding of how Junior hockey clubs work through the various teams that I've been associated with.

BCHL - What attracted you to the Vernon Vipers franchise?

JG - That's an easy question. In 2010 and 2011, Spruce Grove played Vernon in the Doyle Cup. David was a part of those teams and I can remember staying in Vernon during those playoffs and thinking what an outstanding Junior hockey market this is. The fan support was incredible; looking back and looking to today, I can hardly believe this ownership opportunity came about.

Coach - Mark Ferner

After dealing with the after math of Duncan Wrays' death, Mark Ferner continued on as GM/Head Coach for the new owners.

In his last year with the club Mark Ferner would guide them to the league final lossing in four straight games.

  • 2018-19; Regular Season 58GP-26W-32L & Playoffs 21GP-12W-9L
  • Over-all Record; Regular Season 530GP-320W-194L-16T -- Playoffs 157GP-103W-54L

Mark Ferner would be "let go" by the Glens after the 2018-19 season.

Side Note:With two national titles, a winning percentage of 61.89% for the regular season and 65.61% for the playoffs, Mark Ferner is without a doubt the best coach the Vernon Vipers have EVER had.

Coach - Jason McKee

The Vernon Vipers new owners Tom & John Glen decided to replace Mark Ferner with, an associate of theirs, Jason Mckee.

GM/Head Coach, Jason McKee had some success in his first year. However, the playoffs were canceled after the first round, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic with the Vipers "on a roll".

  • 2019-20; Regular Season 58GP-30W-28L & Playoffs 5GP-4W-3L

The Covid Panemic continued into the 2020-21 season however, the Provincial Health Office eased Regular Season restrictions enough to allow the league to play an extended exhibition/training season from September 25 to November 19. The "Okanagan Cup' tournament was established, for this pre-season, which included Penticton, Salmon Arm and West Kelowna. Penticton defeated the Vipers in the final to take the cup. For the 20 game regular season the Vipers played in a so called "POD" along with Salmon Arm and West Kelowna in which the Vipers claimed top spot.

  • 2020-21; Regular Season 13W-5L-1OTL-1SOL

Coach McKee guided the 2021-22 Vipers to 10th place in the BCHL and 6th in the Interior Conference. In the playoffs they lost to West Kelowna, 4-1.

  • 2021-22; 54GP-27W-20L-4OTL-3SOL-0T & Playoffs 5GP-1W-4L

McKee guides the 2022-23 Vipers to place 11th in the BCHL and 6th in the Interior Conference. In the playoffs they defeated West Kelowna, 4-2 and lost to Salmon Arm, 4-1. What was notable about this season was the amount of player turnover during the early part of the regular season.

  • 2022-23; 54GP-27W-21L-2OTL-4SOL & Playoffs 11GP-5W-6L
  • 2023-24; 44GP-26W-16L-2OTL

Jason McKee was let go from the Vipers organization "Officially" on March 16, 2024. He was absent from behind the bench since February 25, 2024. This was after some sort of player interaction/discipline following a 4-2 loss to Prince George on a road trip.

  • Over-all Record; Regular Season 230GP-123W-107L& Playoffs 21GP-10W-11L

Coach - Lucas Lomicky

Vernon Vipers Alternate Logo 2022

While still an Assistant Lucas Lomicky assumed the role of "Head Coach" along with, Colton Sparrow as his assisitant following the "Official" firing of Jason McKee on March 16, 2024.

Assistants Lucas Lomicky and Colton Sparrow coached the Vipers for four games, following the 2-4 loss to Prince George.

  • 2023-24; 10GP-7W-3L & Playoffs 10GP-5W-5L

On June 10,2024 Lucas Lomicky was announced as Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations.

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

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VERNON VIPERS HIGHLIGHTS

Since their inaugural 1995-96 season, the Vernon Vipers, have achieved the following...

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SEASON BY SEASON OVERVIEW

Below you will find a brief overview of the each season.

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INTERIOR
Ryan Hatfield Trophy
LEAGUE
Nat Bailey Cup / Subway Cup / Fred Page Cup
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Mowat Cup
BRITISH COLUMBIA VS ALBERTA
Doyle Cup
WESTERN CANADA
Abbott Cup / Western Canada Cup
NATIONAL
Centennial Cup / Royal Bank Cup
VERNON VIPERS
Season League
Division
Regular Season Playoffs
Rank GP W L T PTs GF GA GP W L GF GA Result / Series-Score / Opponent
1995-96 League
Conference 		2nd
1st 		60 43 17 0 90 324 219 30 23 7 156 102
Won Quarterfinals, 4-1 (Naniamo)
Won Semifinals, 4-0 (Cowichan Valley)
Won League Finals, 4-1 (Langley)
Won Mowat Cup, 3-0 (Prince George)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-3 (Saint Albert)
3rd Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 7-4 (Newmarket)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 2-0 (Melfort)
Lost Abbott Cup* Game, 1-5 (Melfort), [RBC-RR]
1996-97 League
Conference 		2nd
1st 		60 41 19 0 87 339 212 14 9 5 56 50
Won Quarterfinals, 4-0 (Merritt)
Won Semifinals, 4-1 (Trail)
Lost League Finals, 1-4 (Surrey)
1997-98 League
Conference 		3rd
2nd 		60 33 27 0 74 251 229 7 3 4 17 25

Lost Quarterfinals, 3-4 (Trail)
1998-99 League
Conference 		1st
1st 		60 52 8 0 106 305 145 29 22 7 150 88
Won Con.Semifinals, 4-1 (Merritt)
Won Con. Finals, 4-0 (Prince George)
Won League Finals, 4-1 (Chilliwack)
Won Mowat Cup, 3-1 (Kimberly)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-1 (Calgary)
4th Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 3-2 (Bramalea)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 9-3 (Charlottetown)
Won Abbott Cup* Game, 3-2 (Estevan),[RBC-RR]
1999-00 League
Conference 		5th
2nd 		60 35 25 0 75 242 216 18 9 9 56 64
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-2 (Prince George)
Won Con. Finals, 4-3 (Merritt)
Lost League Finals, 1-4 (Chilliwack)
2000-01 League
Conference 		12th
5th 		60 24 26 10 58 203 225 DID NOT QUALIFIY FOR PLAYOFFS
2001-02 League
Conference 		4th
1st 		60 33 21 6 72 243 205 17 10 7 52 40
Won Preliminaries, 4-0 (Merritt)
Won Con. Finals, 4-3 (Penticton)
Lost League Finals, 2-4 (Chilliwack)
2002-03 League
Conference 		1st
1st 		60 47 13 0 95 273 150 18 14 4 63 35
Won Preliminaries, 4-0 (Penticton)
Won Con. Finals, 4-0 (Trail)
Won League Finals, 4-0 (Chilliwack)
Lost Doyle Cup, 2-4 (Camrose)
2003-04 League
Conference 		4th
2nd 		60 37 22 1 82 233 182 5 1 4 13 17

Lost Preliminaries, 0-4 (Trail)
2004-05 League
Conference 		2nd
1st 		60 42 15 3 93 232 156 14 9 5 40 41
Won Div. Semifinals, 4-0 (Penticton)
Won Con. Finals, 4-1 (Prince George)
Lost League Finals, 1-4 (Surrey)
2005-06 League
Conference 		6th
3rd 		60 36 22 2 78 205 165 10 5 5 32 29
Won Div. Quarterfinals, 4-1 (Prince George)
Lost Div. Semifinals, 1-4 (Salmon Arm)
2006-07 League
Conference 		5th
2nd 		60 37 22 1 78 246 193 22 14 8 70 53
Won Con. Quarterfinals, 4-2 (Westside)
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-1 (Trail)
Won Con. Finals, 4-1 (Penticton)
Lost League Finals, 2-4 (Nanaimo)
2007-08 League
Conference 		5th
4th 		60 36 22 2 76 238 185 10 6 4 35 31
Won Eliminations, 3-0 (Trail)
Lost Con. SemiFinals, 4-3 (Penticton)
2008-09 League
Conference 		2nd
1st 		60 42 17 1 88 223 145 27 22 5 104 29
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-1 (Penticton)
Won Con. Finals, 4-2 (Salmon Arm)
Won League Finals, 4-2 (Powell River)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-0 (Grande Prairie)
1st Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 6-3 (Kingston)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 2-0 (Humboldt)
2009-10 League
Conference 		1st
1st 		60 51 9 0 105 298 119 32 21 11 117 80
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-2 (Quesnel)
Won Con. Finals, 4-2 (Penticton)
Won League Finals, 4-3 (Powell River)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-3 (Spruce Grove)
2nd Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 2-0 (Brockville)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 8-1 (Dauphin)
2010-11 League
Conference 		2nd
1st 		60 36 20 4 85 197 141 28 21 7 93 67
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-2 (Westside)
Won Con. Finals, 4-2 (Salmon Arm)
Won League Finals, 4-0 (Powell River)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-3 (Spruce Grove)
1st Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 4-1 (Wellington)
Lost Royal Bank Cup, 2-0 (Pembroke)
2011-12 League
Conference 		9th
5th 		60 30 29 1 63 208 193 DID NOT QUALIFIY FOR PLAYOFFS
2012-13 League
Conference 		13th
6th 		56 21 34 1 52 139 170 DID NOT QUALIFIY FOR PLAYOFFS
2013-14 League
Conference 		7th
3rd 		58 30 24 4 70 181 175 24 12 12 66 58
Won Div. Semifinal 4-2 (West Kelowna)
Won Div. Finals 4-3 (Penticton)
1st Round-robin 1-0 (Victoria) & 1-0 (Coquitlam)
Lost League Finals 0-4 (Coquitlam)
~ Hosts ~
Royal Bank Cup
2nd, Round-robin(2-2)
Lost Semifinal, 6-3 (Yorkton)
2014-15 League
Conference 		4th
2nd 		58 36 21 1 76 218 161 11 7 4 32 31
Won Div. Semifinal 4-0 (Merritt)
Lost Div. Finals 4-3 (Penticton)
2015-16 League
Conference 		12th
4th 		58 24 34 0 51 179 206 5 1 4 9 21

Lost Div. Semifinal 1-4 (Penticton)
2016-17 League
Conference 		6th
2nd 		58 30 24 4 69 181 158 12 7 5 40 27
Won Div. Semifinal 4-1 (Trail)
Lost Div. Finals 3-4 (Penticton)
2017-18 League
Conference 		2nd
2nd 		58 39 15 4 83 205 118 10 6 4 24 19
Won Div. Quarter-final 4-0 (Salmon Arm)
Lost Div. Semifinal 2-4 (Wenatchee)
2018-19 League
Conference 		8th
4th 		58 26 32 0 63 166 160 21 12 9 61 53
Won Div. Quarter-final 4-1 (Salmon Arm)
Won Div. Semifinal 4-3 (Trail)
Won Div. Final 4-1 (Wenatchee)
Lost BCHL Finals 4-0 (Prince George)
2019-20 League
Conference 		8th
5th 		58 30 28 N/A 64 174 178 5 4 1 23 11
Won Div. Quarter-final 4-1 (Wenatchee)
PLAYOFFS CANCELLED (March 13)
DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
2020-21 POD
BCHL 		1st
5th 		20 13 7 N/A 28 69 55 0 0 0 0 0
NO PLAYOFFS DUE TO
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
2021-22 League
Conference 		10th
6th 		54 27 27 N/A 61 152 154 5 1 4 14 26
Lost Div QuarterFinals 1-4, (West Kelowna)
2022-23 League
Conference 		11th
6th 		54 27 27 N/A 60 160 164 11 5 6 36 36
Won Div. Semifinal 4-1 (West Kelowna)
Lost Div. Semifinal 4-1 (Salmon Arm)
2023-24 League
Conference 		6th
4th 		54 33 21 N/A 68 196 160 10 5 5 28 25
Won Div QuarterFinals 4-1, (Trail)
Lost Div. Semifinal 1-4 (Penticton)
2024-25 League
Conference
Division 		?-
?-
?- 		- - - N/A - - - - - - - -
TBD
Team Totals 1664 991 628 45 - - - 396 249 147 - -
-

Note:
Loses may include any Over Time Loses & Shoot Out Loses
Total Points may include any Over Time Loses & Shoot Out Loses Points
N/A = Not Applicable

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