Coaches love team intensity, grit, and compete level at training camp; host Trail Smoke Eaters Friday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.,at Kal Tire Place North

Those still with the Vernon Vipers have exceeded expectations for the team's new bench trust.

The Vipers are now preparing for their four B.C. Hockey League pre-season games to get ready for the regular season opener Friday. Sept. 19, versus the Trail Smoke Eaters at Kal Tire Place.

"Coming into camp, we had high expectations but little knowledge of what camp would look like," said new Vipers head coach and general manager Matt Cooke on the team's website. "We have been very impressed with the competitiveness, the skill, and the pace of play in our scrimmages. We have had some real nice surprises at camp that will be nice additions to our group moving forward.

"The group has pushed each other on and off the ice, and gotten better every day. I'm excited to see how we continue to grow through this week and into Friday's pre-season game."

The Snakes entertain the Cranbrook Bucks Friday, Sept. 5, at Kal Tire Place North (7 p.m. start). The Vipers will play three pre-season home games, all at the smaller rink, as a new scoreboard is installed at the main KTP rink.

Vernon visits the West Kelowna Warriors Saturday, Sept. 6.

For new assistant coaches Ryan Hollweg and Mike Sommers, it was their first glimpse at the Vipers for 2025-26. Holweg loved the intensity growing with the players day-by-day.

"The intensity of the practices and games elevated every day," he said. "Players know there are jobs to be had, and that there's a lot of opportunity here. On behalf of the coach staff, we have been extremely pleased with the level of battle and compete."

Camp featured short, demanding practices followed by two rounds of scrimmages.

"We were really impressed with how competitive the scrimmages were," said Sommers. "The pace was strong, the battles were hard, and players showed they were willing to compete for a spot. It all came together in a great final game for the Wayne Dye Trophy that needed overtime. It was a great way to wrap up the weekend."

Edvin Nilsson, a returning Viper, scored the overtime winner for Team Yellow to win the trophy named after the late Vernon native, and all-time leading scorer in Vernon junior hockey history.

Dye's No. 8 when he played with the Vernon Essos is retired to the rafters at KTP. He was named Vernon's Athlete of the 20th Century.

With camp wrapped and the roster trimmed, attention now turns to preseason action.

Tickets for Friday's home game are only $7, and will be available starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Vipers' office in KTP, at the box office on game day, or at the door two hours before puck drop. It's rush seating only.