Vipers coming in hungry
by Ben Low-On · CastanetThe Vernon Vipers are coming into the 2024 season hungrier than ever.
The team went 33-19 last season and finished fourth in the BCHL’s Interior Division. Their playoff journey was shorter than hoped when the Penticton Vees eliminated them in the Interior Semi-Finals.
“We took them (Penticton Vees) to three overtimes and we felt like we improved at the end of the season,” said Head Coach Lukas Lomicky.
“That is something we can build on.”
The Viper's bench will also look quite different. The team’s point leaders Hank Cleaves and Owen Kim as well as other key players in Ethan David, Anthony Cliche, and Issac Tremblay are playing university Hockey.
To help combat the scoring losses, the Vipers have added 18 new additions for the season.
“We were really impressed with their conditioning and how ready they were. They fit in our culture, our identity and what we are trying to do here.”
Key recruits:
- Will Schumacher (Forward, Prior Lake, Minnesota)
- Roarke Gilmour (Defence, Iroquois, Ont.)
- Keeghan Dunn (Forward, Richmond, B.C.)
The Viper’s pre-season gave the team a chance to build their chemistry. The team had flashy moments and finished 2-2 with wins over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Trail Smoke Eaters.
“I would not put too much emphasis on it (the results), we were just trying to build our identity and the way we want to play.”
Vernon’s season opener will be on the road against the Trail Smoke Eaters with puck drop at 7:00 p.m.
The first home game will be on Sept. 28, at 6:00 p.m. against the West Kelowna Warriors.