Vipers Hire New Coach/GM; Ferner Ends Term

The Vernon Vipers will have a new coach and general manager next season.

The BC Hockey League club, owned by brothers John and Tom Glen, has announced the hiring of Jason McKee to the positions.

“We are excited to welcome Jason, along with his wife Carey-Ann and daughters Brianna and Brynn to the Vipers,” said Todd Miller, Executive Vice President with the team. “It’s an exciting time for the Vipers organization, and the addition of Jason McKee’s passion, leadership skills and winning tradition completely align with our vision for the future.”

The 40 year old McKee is a native of Lloydminster Alberta who previously coached the Spruce Grove Saints in the Alberta Junior League and most recently, the Vancouver Giants of the Western League from 2016 to 2018. (Click here for more).

New Vipers coach and GM Jason McKee talks with Beach Radio’s Pete McIntyre about his hockey background and what his plans are for the team:

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The Vipers are also extending thanks to Mark Ferner for his leadership and dedication and extended an offer to Ferner to remain with the organization in an alternate role.

Ferner tells Beach Radio News it’s a scouting position, and he hasn’t made a decision about his future as yet.

Ferner had two stints with the Vipers, first from 2007 to 2011 before leaving for coaching jobs in the Western Hockey league, and returning to Vernon for the 2015-16 season until present.

His teams won back to back Royal Bank National Junior ‘A’ Hockey championships in 2009 and 2010.

The Vipers, under Ferner, also made it to the RBC Cup Final in 2011, before losing in the final.

This season, Ferner guided the Vipers to a fourth place finish in the Interior Division, with the team excelling in the playoffs, making it all the way to the BCHL Final before losing in 4 straight games to the Prince George Spruce Kings.

The 53 year old Regina native was a defenceman during his playing days, drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in Round 10, 194th overall, in 1983.

He played in 91 NHL games for the Sabres, Washington Capitals, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Detroit Red Wings, and also suited up for numerous minor league tams before retiring in 2001.

Ferner started his coaching career as an assistant with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers in 2002.