First Game In 2010!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas!! The Vipers got back from their holidays on Sunday...and they were already back on the ice for practice Sunday night! They have a game in Trail on Tuesday, then a game in Salmon Arm for New Years Eve then a home game January 2, 2010!!! They will host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and I hope the fans can come out and cheer on there team! Once again the Vipers are Number 1 on theCJHL Top 20 Rankings...here is the list

Monday, December 21, 2009


The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced today its Weekly Top 20 rankings in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting. Last week's rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis.
Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season - The CJHL Top 20 Weekly Rankings will return on January 11, 2010.
The CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, December 21st:
1. (1) Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
2. (2) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
3. (3) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
4. (4) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
5. (5) Kingston Voyageurs (OJAHL)
6. (7) Georgetown Raiders (OJAHL)
7. (6) Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL)
8. (8) Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL)
9. (11) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
10. (HM) Brockville Braves (CJHL)
11. (12) Oakville Blades (OJAHL)
12. (9) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL)
13. (16) Fort William North Stars (SIJHL)
14. (17) Westside Warriors (BCHL)
15. (18) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)
16. (15) Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)
17. (16) Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL)
18. (19) Burlington Cougars (CCHL)
19. (13) Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL)
20. (NR) Les Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ)
Honorable mention goes to the Olds Grizzlys (AJHL), Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL), Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL), Aurora Tigers (OJAHL), and the Toronto Junior Canadiens (CCHL).
The rankings are based upon a variety of factors which includes the league in which the teams belong to, their winning percentage, their win-loss record, total points accumulated, their goals-for versus goals-against ratio, amongst other factors.
The CJHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada.


The Vipers have held onto the top spot in Canada for almost the whole season so far!! It is so great to have the best team in Canada right in your own back yard...If only we could sell out the building every game!!

See you soon!

Sniper

Teddy Bear Toss A HUGE Success

The Vernon Vipers Teddy Bear Toss Night was a HUGE success thanks to Kiss FM and all the fans that came out to support your Vernon Vipers and contribute to the Santa Toy Drive. Over 1300 stuffed animals were tossed onto the ice after the Vipers first goal and the stuffies littered the ice and the Kiss FM staff and a couple minor hockey teams helped scoop them all up! The animals are currently getting brought to places all around Vernon and were scattered throughout the Kiss Fm office while they got sorted!

Vipers Hold Top Spot

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced today its Weekly Top 20 rankings in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting.

Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis. The CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, December 14th:

1. (1) Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
2. (2) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
3. (5) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
4. (3) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
5. (4) Kingston Voyageurs (OJAHL)
6. (10) Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL)
7. (8) Georgetown Raiders (OJAHL)
8. (9) Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL)
9. (6) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL)
10. (7) Cornwall Colts (CJHL)
11. (13) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
12. (11) Oakville Blades (OJAHL)
13. (14) Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL)
14. (16) Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)
15. (15) Fort William North Stars (SIJHL)
16. (12) Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL)
17. (17) Westside Warriors (BCHL)
18. (18) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)
19. (19) Burlington Cougars (CCHL)
20. (20) Le College Francais de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)

Honorable mention goes to the Powell River Kings (BCHL), Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL), Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL), Brockville Braves (CJHL), and Le Titan de Princeville (LHJAAAQ).

The rankings are based upon a variety of factors which includes the league in which the teams belong to, their winning percentage, their win-loss record, total points accumulated, their goals-for versus goals-against ratio, amongst other factors.

The CJHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website. www.cjhlhockey.com

All in a Week of Fun With the Vernon Vipers - #28 Adam Thompson

Well the past couple of weeks we’ve been lucky to primarily have games held on the weekends (with the exception of Merritt last Tuesday), therefore the guys and I got to participate in some good team bonding sessions. First on the fun menu was the team bowling at Lincoln Lanes. This fine establishment has held a few Vipers bowling competitions over the years, but its safe to say that the more I bowl, the worse I get. My luck is running out to say the least. Anyhow, at around 9 PM we all laced up our styling bowling shoes and hit the hardwood. First, I have to mention how easy it is to Michael Jackson moonwalk in these shoes. Even a hard-pressed dancer such as myself can pull off some moves, or I like to think at least. The teams were dealt out and two practice frames/rounds were played. My team consisted of newcomer Curtis Gedig, Braden Pimm and Patty Mcgillis. For the life of me I couldn’t get a strike, while Pimmer bowled strikes like it was his day job. I was somewhat surprised Bryce Kakoske wasn’t awesome at bowling because he seems to be really good at useless or less common sports. Anyhow, for the life of me I can’t remember the other teams but regardless, we were all divided into teams of four and two teams of three and some serious bowling was initiated.


After some intense moments followed shortly by disappointing gutter balls, we were in the final frame. Its important to note that the last placed team has to buy the first place team Marble Slab ice cream. This is a key point because the competition level picks up immensely as Marble Slab ice cream can be an expensive treat and no one has the pay roll to afford such gifts. After everything was said and done, my team finished second, closely behind Kevin Kraus, Connor Jones, Cole Ikkala and Mike Collins. We probably should have been first but my disappointing score cause a significant drop in the team average. Team leader Braden Pimm bowled the best round score after getting something like 5 strikes in a row and 6 strikes in 7 frames. This kid had great form and a good technique, which he attempted to teach to me, but failed miserably. The night was highlighted however by a team of four who cheated their way out of last place. Henceforth, they were automatically given last place and the marble slab tab was handed off to their wallets. All in all it was a good night and good chance for team bonding.

The following night was our annual “Rookie Dinner” held at Boston Pizza. Goaltending coach Sean Matile and his family manage this fine establishment, where a quick, affordable and delicious meal is always available. Rookie dinner is always a good time, unless of course you’re a rookie. Quite simply, this is a time for all the veteran players to order whatever they want and however much they want. The catch however, is that the rookies have to divide and conquer the bill for themselves, which is often fairly expensive. “Tiller” usually gives us a good deal in the spirit of things, which helps the rookies immensely. This tasty meal is followed by some rookie initiation of some sorts where the rookies are required to sing classic children’s songs such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “I’m a little Tea Pot.” This is usually quite hilarious and embarrassing. I distinctively remember last year’s event and how red I got in the face when my turn was up. The funniest moment of my rookie dinner was watching Steve Weinstein, Kory Kane and Cole Ikkala shadow box in the middle of the restaurant. Shadow boxing requires a person to pretend he is boxing his shadow, which ends up looking a lot like he is sparring. It is equally funny as embarrassing to say the least. All in all it was a fun night and again a good team bonding session.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate and thank all the fans that came to the teddy bear toss game last night. Everyone who managed to donate food and contribute to a good cause deserves a pat on the back. I know I would have loved to score that first goal to get the teddy bears on the ice, but it was good to see Micker get it. It’s always good to see the ice littered with bears and knowing that someone somewhere will receive a cuddly bear this Christmas. On that note, I want to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. Enjoy the holidays and more importantly stay safe.

Teddy Bear Toss & Food Drive...TONIGHT

Viper fans are you ready for my favorite night?!?!? December 11th is finally here!! Teddy Bear Toss and Food Drive Night! If you can, please bring a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army and a stuffed animal to toss onto the ice after the Vipers first goal!! Make sure you get to the game early...you never know when the first goal is going to be!! Make sure you bring everyone you know and lets PACK THE PIT!!!

Bulldogs, Warriors join Vees and Vipers in CJHL's Top 20 Rankings

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced today its Weekly Top 20 rankings in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting.

Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis. The CJHL Weekly Top 20 as of Monday, December 7th:

1. (1) Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
2. (2) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
3. (3) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
4. (4) Kingston Voyageurs (OJAHL)
5. (5) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
6. (6) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL)
7. (9) Cornwall Colts (CJHL)
8. (7) Georgetown Raiders (OJAHL)
9. (10) Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL)
10. (12) Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL)
11. (8) Oakville Blades (OJAHL)
12. (11) Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL)
13. (14) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
14. (15) Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL)
15. (16) Fort William North Stars (SIJHL)
16. (13) Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)
17. (HM) Westside Warriors (BCHL)
18. (HM) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)
19. (19) Burlington Cougars (CCHL)
20. (20) Le College Francais de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)

Honorable mention goes to the Surrey Eagles (BCHL), Olds Grizzlys (AJHL), Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL), Newmarket Hurricanes (CCHL) and Les Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ).

The rankings are based upon a variety of factors which includes the league in which the teams belong to, their winning percentage, their win-loss record, total points accumulated, their goals-for versus goals-against ratio, amongst other factors.

The CJHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website. www.cjhlhockey.com.

Vipers Make Visit To Lavington School

Cole Ikkala and Bryce Kakoske made the trip out to Lavington School first thing Wednesday morning to vist a couple of classes and read a couple of books. "It was fun to get out and read to these classes" commented Cole Ikkala, "the kids are so quite during the stories and listen so well and then after we get to answer all their question."

The Vernon Vipers try to visit as many schools and as many classrooms as they can throughout the year to not only encourage reading but talk about setting goals and how important it is to practice and work hard to achive the things you want.

Walchuk Named to Team West Roster for Prospect Game

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - Submitted by Hockey Canada
December 1st, 2009 - The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced today the roster for Team West at the 2009 CJHL Prospects Event. Winkler, Manitoba will host the 5th Annual CJHL Prospects Event from December 7th – 9th, 2009.


Team West includes players from the CJHL's five Western leagues, including 8 players from the BCHL, 5 AJHL players, 4 SJHL players, 3 MJHL players, and 1 player from the SIJHL. Player selection is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting. Team East and Team West will each consist of two goaltenders, six defensemen and twelve forwards.

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top 40 NHL draft eligible players in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. In October 2009, 27 players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League were recognized on the NHL Central Scouting "Players to Watch" List for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Ten players on the Team West roster and nine from Team East were amongst those identified.

The CJHL Prospects Game will see players from the CJHL's five Western leagues, the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Hockey League (MJHL) and the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) compete against the best players from the CJHL'S Eastern leagues, the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior A Hockey League (OJAHL), Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL), Central Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Ligue de Hockey Junior AAA du Quebec (LHJAAAQ), and the Maritime Junior A Hockey League (MJAHL).

GOAL
SAM BRITTAIN* CANMORE EAGLES AJHL
SEAN BONAR PENTICTON VEES BCHL

DEFENCE
PETER STOYKEWYCH WINNIPEG SOUTH BLUES MJHL
LEE CHRISTENSEN* MELFORT MUSTANGS SJHL
TIM DALY* LANGLEY CHIEFS BCHL
CRAIG BOKENFOHR* CAMROSE KODIAKS AJHL
JOEY LALEGGIA PENTICTON VEES BCHL
NICK AMIES COWICHAN VALLEY CAPITALS BCHL
BEN GALLACHER*+ CAMROSE KODIAKS AJHL

FORWARDS
GRAYSON DOWNING* WESTSIDE WARRIORS BCHL
BRENDAN O’DONNELL WINNIPEG SOUTH BLUES MJHL
CLARKE BREITKREUZ* YORKTON TERRIERS SJHL
DANIEL CARR* ST. ALBERT STEEL AJHL
ANDREW JOHNSON* FLIN FLON BOMBERS SJHL
TREVOR CAMERON NOTRE DAME HOUNDS SJHL
BEAU BENNETT* PENTICTON VEES BCHL
CARSON COOPER SPRUCE GROVE SAINTS AJHL
BRAYDEN JAW NANAIMO CLIPPERS BCHL
DYLAN WALCHUK VERNON VIPERS BCHL
JORDAN NEDUZAK WINKLER FLYERS MJHL
CODY FRASER FORT WILLIAM NORTH STARS SIJHL

* NHL Central Scouting Watch List
+ Unable to participate due to injury

For the first time, the CJHL Prospects Teams will play a two-game series. The event has become popular for local area hockey fans and scouts from the NHL and Canadian and American colleges and universities. Team East and Team West have each won two games in the four year history of the event:

· 2008 - Team East defeated Team West 6-3 in Summerside, PEI
· 2007 - Team East defeated Team West 5-3 in Winkler, Manitoba
· 2006 - Team West defeated Team East 6-2 in Vernon, British Columbia
· 2005 - Team West defeated Team East 5-4 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan

The roster for Team East was announced on Monday and is available at www.cjhlhockey.com.

CJHL Prospects Game #1 will be played on Tuesday, December 8th at 1:00 PM, followed by CJHL Prospects Game #2 on Wednesday, December 9th at 7:30 PM. Games will be played at the Winkler Arena. Tickets are available for only $10.00