The snake den is turning over in strength to hopefully help boost the Vernon Vipers ahead of their upcoming season.
Mike Sommer has moved in as assistant coach as the Snakes get ready for their BCHL season to start in September.
鈥淢ike鈥檚 addition to our coaching staff is a significant step forward, allowing us to strengthen multiple facets of our team,鈥� said Matt Cooke, recently added Vipers head coach and general manager. 鈥淲ith the support of Tom (Glen, owner), I truly believe we鈥檙e building one of the most well-rounded and dynamic coaching staffs in junior hockey."
Sommer, a native of White Rock, joins the Vipers after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Sirens of the Professional Women鈥檚 Hockey League (PWHL).
Prior to that, he was a long-time assistant coach with the University of B.C. Thunderbirds from 2015 to 2023.
"Mike brings a wealth of experience across all levels of development and has been coaching at the professional level in recent years," said Cooke. "It speaks to his deep understanding of the game. I鈥檓 excited to work alongside him in the coach鈥檚 room where we鈥檒l collaborate on systems and a development plan to guide our players to success this season.鈥�
Sommer is also excited to move up the province, bringing his family to call the Okanagan home.
鈥淚 look forward to joining Tom and Matt and the organization in making Vernon a true destination for player development, playing a competitive style that really resonates with the Vipers鈥� passionate fan base.鈥�
The Vipers start their pre-season Friday, Sept. 5 on home ice against the Cranrbook Bucks at Kal Tire Place North. All pre-season games will be played at KTPN as a new scoreboard is being installed in the main, southern rink.
Vernon then heads to West 91大黄鸭 to battle the Warriors Saturday, Sept. 6.
The Snakes are back home Tuesday, Sept. 9, to take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Then Trail comes to town Sept. 12 to round out the pre-season.
The regular season starts Sept. 19 at the main Kal Tire Place rink against the Smoke Eaters.
All games start at 7 p.m.
