Recruit
If you’re interested in playing for the Vernon Vipers, or if you’re advising potential Viper players, this section is for you. In this section, you’ll find information about the Viper hockey program, about educational opportunities, and about the quality of life in Vernon.
Vernon has the distinction of being the birthplace of the British Columbia Hockey League, which originated in 1961 with 4 teams. Since then, the BCHL has expanded to 16 teams. In Vernon, the team name has changed over the years, but the strong hockey tradition has remained the same. With one of the most prestigious winning traditions in the history of the BCHL, the Vipers are a proud, dedicated franchise.
Our program is designed to further the development of players interested in pursuing opportunities at the U.S. College, Canadian University, Major Junior, or Professional Levels.
For more information on Viper Hockey download VIDEO.
For more information on the Viper Track Record check out Team Page - Viper Pride.
VIPER HOCKEY
Schedule
The BCHL regular season schedule is 60 games. Most games are played on weekends with a few mid-week encounters involving teams who are geographically nearby. On the road, the Vipers use a first class bus with professional driver; accommodation and meal costs are covered by the Club.
Practices
Practices are held five days a week for one and a half hours per day. Lots of ice time is essential to a player's development and improvement. Practice is scheduled so that school classes are not interrupted. The Vipers also have an extensive off-ice training program through the club's fitness center.
Medical
The general health and well-being of each player is a major concern with the Viper’s staff. It is expected that the primary provider has provincial or private health care coverage. Expenses beyond that are provided through Hockey Canada Insurance.
Arrangements are made with local doctors to take out-of-town players as their patients. In addition to our training staff we have a health care professional in attendance at all of our home games.
Equipment
The Club provides equipment and supplies such as helmet, pants, gloves, sweater, socks, sticks and tape. The Club also helps players get good prices on skates.
EDUCATION | TOP
The Vipers place a high priority on a player's education and are committed to helping him gain a higher level of education through his hockey career.
Guidance
Before they arrive in Vernon, players can receive help in choosing courses and enrolling at a high school or college. Particular emphasis is placed on choosing courses that will transfer to Canadian and U.S. universities. During the season, Viper education consultants provide tutoring and advise the players on how to succeed in their studies. Each week, a 1.5-hour Study Hall allows players to complete assignments and to receive help from the consultants and from fellow players.
High School
In the public school system, the Viper Club works closely with school counsellors and teachers to ensure classes are attended and graduation requirements are met. Tutoring is paid for by the Club if required. There are four high schools in the city of Vernon. The quality of education which is provided at our high schools is among the finest in B.C.
College
The Viper team is lucky to have a campus of Okanagan College located in Vernon. This beautiful campus houses degree, diploma, and university transfer courses. Each player's university or college tuition and books are paid for by the Hockey Club based on the successful completion of courses. College-age players are encouraged to take at least one course per semester, to prepare for life as a college athlete and to lighten semester loads when attending a Canadian or U.S. college or university.
The Vipers also work hard to find scholarships for players wishing to pursue a career in the U.S. college ranks. The BCHL receives plenty of attention from American and Canadian college scouts, and the Viper coaches work hard to help players secure offers. If a player wishes to turn pro, the Vipers will help him find a suitable team. Here are three 2006-2007 Viper players taking college, university, and pro hockey routes:
 Andrew Coburn, of Mount Forest, Ontario as a 20-year old, Andrew completed several Okanagan College classes to be eligible to play in the NCAA the following year. His hard work paid off as he secured a scholarship to the University of Alabama, Huntsville. |
 Nick Olynyk, of Canora, Saskatchewan – a veteran of the WHL, the AJHL, and the BCHL, Nick blossomed in his last year of junior eligibility as he led the Vipers to the BCHL Interior Championship. Subsequently, Nick received several Canadian scholarship offers, and he’s now studying Communications at the University of Windsor and playing goal for the Windsor Lancers. |
 Mike Ullrich, of Calgary, Alberta – the Captain of the 2006-2007 Viper squad, Mike chose to play pro hockey and the Viper coaches helped him win a position with the Pensacola Ice Pilots of the ECHL. |
LIVING IN VERNON | TOP
Blessed with a moderate climate and a full range of recreation opportunities, the Okanagan is noted for its healthy life style.
Viper's "Snakepit"
The Vipers play all their home games in Vernon's 3000 seat Wesbild, which includes a state-of-the-art dressing room. The arena is centrally located to provide easy access to hotels and restaurants.
Room And Board
All out-of-town players are provided with room and board. Players are placed in carefully selected homes and these families are generally involved in some aspect with our Club. They take great interest in the player on and off the ice. The room and board for a player continues beyond the hockey season, until the high school or university year is completed.
Community Services
The Vipers are a high profile sports club in the City and are often asked to take part in various functions. In addition, players go to elementary schools for volleyball or floor hockey and work to promote positive life styles. As role models for the thousands of youth in the City and surrounding region, players must conduct themselves in a respectable manner at all times.
The City Of Vernon
The City of Vernon and satellite communities are located in the sunny Okanagan Valley, with a total population of approximately 60,000 people. The population has been growing, as people flood to the Okanagan to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and expanding array of amenities.
We are also very fortunate to have a world class ski hill 15 minutes from the city center. Silver Star Mountain is one of the finest ski resorts in British Columbia. “The Star” is a great site to visit in the winter months as well as in the summer. In the summer, beaches and water sports are available on the lovely Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes within a 10 minute drive from downtown Vernon.
Along with the lakes and a full array of sports fields, the North Okanagan has some of the most challenging, breathtaking golf courses in Canada. Annually, Predator Ridge is ranked among the top courses in the country, and The Rise is set to join Predator among the nation’s elite tracks. Other fine courses include the Vernon Golf and Country Club, Spallumcheen, and Hillview. Nine-hole courses such as Royal York, the Coldstream Golf Club, and the Highlands Short Game course are also very popular. As well, there are several more excellent golf courses within a 45-minute drive, near Sicamous, Salmon Arm, and Kelowna.
Quick Facts | TOP
| Established: |
1961 |
| Ticket Office: |
Viper Office (250) 542-6022 |
| Home Arena: |
Vernon Multi-Plex |
| Seating Capacity: |
3003 |
| Standing Room: |
500 |
| Rink Dimensions: |
200’ x 85’ |
| Club Colors: |
Navy, Red, and Gold |
| Nickname: |
Snakes |
| Team Uniforms (Home): |
White Base with Navy & Gold Trim |
| Team Uniforms (Away): |
Navy Base with Red & Gold |
| Trim
Team Uniforms (3rd): |
Steel Blue with Navy, Red & Gold |
| Trim
Conference: |
Interior |
| Number of Home Games: |
30 |
| Number of Away Games: |
30 |
| Training Camp 2007: |
Vernon Multi-Plex |
| Radio Station: |
107.5 KISS FM |
| Television: |
CHBC |
| Local Newspaper: |
The Morning Star |
| |
The Daily Courier |
| Graphic Design, Layout & Printing: |
Blue Bananas Design Group Inc. |
| Website Design & Maintenance: |
Blue Bananas Design Group Inc. |
