(File photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

BCHL preseason

Fans return to Kal Tire Place

Sep 21, 2021 | 7:00 AM

Fans will be back at Kal Tire Place as the Vernon Vipers host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in BCHL preseason action tonight (Sept. 21).

Vipers head coach and GM Jason McKee says he and the team are excited.

“It’s great just even having some fans and parents in the building this weekend [for training camp]. It just brings a new level to everything and we’ve all missed it,” McKee said on the Vipers Twitter account.

Capacity for the preseason games will be 50 per cent of normal under health orders, and all fans 12 and over will have to show proof of vaccination to get in (ID as well for 18+).

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McKee says he was impressed with the fitness level of players at camp.

“Conditioning is very good. Very rarely do you see a player that’s not in good condition now and I think all our returning guys are in great condition. For me, they’ve got to separate themselves now. Theyre returning players so they need to separate themselves from first year players and that’s a process and that’s what training camp is about and exhibition,” said McKee

McKee said the team’s new recruits played well at camp.

“Anytime there are certain players that are going to do more than you expected and maybe some that haven’t quite reached the bar you were expecting, but it’s early and everyone is going to get a good long look.

McKee, 42 and a native of Lloydminster Alberta, is starting his third season at the helm of the Vipers.