Former Viper Says Civic Has ‘Old School Atmosphere’

Members of the Vernon Vipers practice at Civic Arena Thursday, preparing for Saturday’s game against Prince George, the final junior game to be played in the building which opened in 1937.

Excitement is building for Saturday night’s Vipers game against the Prince George Spruce Kings at Civic Arena.

It will be the final junior game at the 80 year old building.

The 2,200 tickets sold out weeks ago.

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Former Vipers captain Garth Gartner has fond memories of his days in the ‘old barn,’ including playing against locked-out NHL players in a sold out exhibition game at the Civic in 1994.

“That was against Paul Kariya, Trevor Linden, and those guys. That was one of the memories I will never forget, playing in that barn and having that many people in there. I think I got caught watching them, more than I was playing.”

Gartner, who won an RBC Cup with the Vipers in 1996, says it’s easier for players to get up for games at the Civic.

“It’s that old school atmosphere. The crowd is right on top of you. It gets very loud in there. It echoes, and it’s a very fun atmosphere to play in.”

Vipers assistant coach Kevin Kraus  — a former defenceman who played in the building for Vernon in the Doyle Cup in 2009 due to scheduling conflicts at Kal Tire Place — has this advice for the players.

“Get your head up and make plays quick. You’re not going to have as much time and space that you do in our building to make as many plays. But it’s similar to playing in rinks like Merritt and Prince George, so I think were used to it a little bit,” Kraus told Beach Radio News.

Fans will be allowed to bring in outside food for the game, but no beverages can be brought in, and no alcohol will be served at the event.

The Vipers say the sold-out game will be rush seating with season ticket holders getting first crack at seats at 4 pm on game day, and everyone else allowed in at 5.