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 junior "A" hockey team in league, regional and national levels.
Duncan Wray changed the name of the team from the Vernon Lakers to the Vernon Vipers, for the start of the 1995-96 season.
Under the leadership of GM/Coach Rob Bremner, 1996, was one of Vernons' best years as they finished the regular season, winning 43 games, losing 13 and tying 4. The impressive year culminated with the Vernon Vipers first and the franchises third national title.
Rob Bremner would end his association with the club after the 1995-96 season with a total coaching record of R.S. 240GP-137W-101L-2T -- P.O. 55GP-33W-22L. His 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), R.S. 120GP-74W-46L -- P.O. 21GP-12W-9L, they did have some success in the leagues playoffs.
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 regular season 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.
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 Provincial 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 goaltenders.
Following the 1999 National Championship season, Troy Mick(1999-2000), R.S. 60GP-35W-25L -- P.O. 18GP-9W-9L who always said,"We don't rebuild, We reload", once again journeyed to the League Finals. This would not end Troy Micks' run with the club, as Coach, however, he did leave after the season recording an over-all record, so far, of R.S. 300GP-185W-115L -- P.O. 68GP-43W-25L.
Taking over for Troy Mick was his Assistant Coach, Joe Oliver(2000-01), R.S. 60GP-24W-36L. The 2000-01 season turned out to be an extreme disappointment for the franchise as 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.
Duncan Wray would hire, as his next GM/Coach, Mike Vandekamp(2001-2005), R.S. 240GP-159W-77L-4T -- P.O. 54GP-34W-20L, he ran the club for the next four years. In those four seasons he had consecutive years of some playoff success. Having maintained a competitive level for the club, in his four years, Mike Vandekamp would be replaced for the next season.
Returning for one last "kick at the can" was none other than "fan favorite" GM/Coach, Troy Mick(2005-06). However, Troy would step down prior to season start citing health issues. Troy Mick ended his run with the Vipers after this season with a overall coaching record of R.S. 300GP-185W-115L -- P.O. 68GP-43W-25L.
Troys' Associate Coach would be promoted to GM/Head Coach, Berni Pimm(2005-06) R.S. 60GP-36W-22L-2T -- P.O. 10GP-5W-5L. This season however, would be disappointing as, the club exited the playoffs in the first round.
Up next for the position of 2006-07 Vernon Vipers GM/Coach was Mark Holick(2007-08), R.S. 60GP-37W-22L-1T -- P.O. 22GP-14W-8L. Mark helped the club to advance to the League finals. Mark Holick did not return for the following season.
Coming over from the Kamloops Blazers organization, to be the next GM/Coach was Mark Ferner(2007-11), R.S. 240GP-165W-68L-7T -- P.O. 98GP-70W-28L, who would lead the club for the next four seasons.
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 rest 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.
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 Championships, 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.
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!
Mark Ferner would leave the Vipers after the 2010-11 season to pursue other interests.
To replace Mark Ferner, Duncan Wray would hire Marks Assistant Coach, former player and Captain(02) of the Vipers, Jason Williamson.
GM/Head Coach Jason Williamson(2011-14), R.S. 174GP-81W-87L-6T -- P.O. 24GP-12W-12L, and the Vernon Vipers failed to make the playoffs in back-to-back years. This is only the second time in franchise history that this occurred.
The Vipers would return to winning ways in 2013-14. The Vipers advanced thru the three rounds before falling in the league final. However, the Vipers were earlier chosen to host the National Tournament, where they advanced as far as the semifinals. This would signal the end of Jason Williamsons job with the Vernon Vipers.
The next GM/Head Coach would be a familiar face to Viper fans as Mark Ferner(2014-19), R.S. 290GP-155W-126L-9T -- P.O. 59GP-33W-26L, would return to the fold. In his 4 years at the helm, he had the team in the playoffs for each one.
If you have anything to add please, feel free to email me at ( admin "at" vernonjrahockey "dot" ca )
Vipers Owner, Dr. Duncan Wray , passed away on January 11, 2018. His wife Libby became owner and governor upon his passing.
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 Championships, and six (6) Doyle Cups, four (4) National Championships 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 )
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.
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. Mark Ferners total coaching record for the Vernon Vipers is a respectable = Mark Ferner(2007-11 & 2014-19), R.S. 530GP-320W-194L-16T -- P.O. 157GP-103W-54L.
With two national titles, a winning percentage of 60% in the regular season and a winning percentage of 65% for the playoffs, Mark Ferner is without a doubt the best coach the Vernon Vipers have EVER had.
The Vernon Vipers new owners Tom and John Glen decided to replace Mark Ferner with, an associate of theirs, Jason Mckee.
GM/Head Coach, Jason McKee(58GP-30W-24L-2OTL-2SOL 64pts) had some success in his first year(2019-20), however the entire playoffs were canceled, after the leagues first round, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Covid Panemic continued into the 2020-21 season however, the Provincial Health Office eased 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. The Vipers claimed top spot, recording a record of 13W-5L-1OTL-1SOL for 28 points.
Coach McKee guided the 2021-22 Vipers to a record of 54GP-27W-20L-4OTL-3SOL-0T (27W & 27L)for 61 points. They placed 10th in the BCHL and 6th in the Interior Conference. In the playoffs they lost to West Kelowna, 4-1.
McKee guides the 2022-23 Vipers to a record of 54GP-27W-21L-2OTL-4SOL (27W & 27L)for 60 points. They placed 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.
McKee guided the 2023-24 Vipers to a record of 44 GP - 26 W - 16 L - 1 otL for 53 points. He was let go from the Vipers organization "Officially" on March 16, 2024 after not being behind the bench since February 25, 2024, after some sort of player interaction/discipline following a 4-2 loss to Prince George.
Over-all as GM/Head Coach, Jason McKee's Vernon Vipers record sits at Regular Season 230GP-123W-107L, Playoffs 21GP-10W-11L for a 53.68 winning percentage.
Lucas Lomicky and Colton Sparrow coached the Vipers for four games, following a 2-4 loss to Prince George.
Assistant Coach Lucas Lomicky (10GP-7W-3L) assumed the role of "Head Coach"(no official title) along with Colton Robinson as his assisitant following the firing of Jason McKee on March 16, 2024.
On June 10,2024 Lucas Lomicky was announced as Head Coach & GM with Colton Sparrow as Assitant Coach
If you have anything to add please, feel free to email me at ( admin "at" vernonjrahockey "dot" ca )
Since their inaugural 1995-96 season, the Vernon Vipers, have achieved the following...
Below you will find a brief overview of the each season.
INTERIOR CHAMPION |
Ryan Hatfield Trophy |
LEAGUE CHAMPION |
Nat Bailey Cup / Subway Cup / Fred Page Cup |
BRITISH COLUMBIA CHAMPION |
Mowat Cup |
BRITISH COLUMBIA VS ALBERTA CHAMPION |
Doyle Cup |
WESTERN CANADA CHAMPION |
Abbott Cup / Western Canada Cup |
NATIONAL CHAMPION |
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 | 36 | 0 | 58 | 203 | 225 | DID NOT QUALIFIY FOR PLAYOFFS | |||||
2001-02 |
League Conference |
4th 1st |
60 | 33 | 27 | 0 | 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 (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