Don Klepp, author of  Vernon's Hockey History 1894- 2021. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Written by Don Klepp

Century on ice: New book chronicles Vernon hockey history

Sep 24, 2021 | 5:00 AM

A new book has hit the market that is a must for Vernon sports and history fans — and anyone else who just enjoys good hockey stories.

Vernon’s Hockey History, 1894-2021 was written by Don Klepp, a retired Okanagan College instructor and former analyst for Vernon Vipers radio broadcasts, who chronicled the hockey history in the North Okanagan city going back to the first game played.

Don Klepp poses for picture beside photo of 2010 Vernon Vipers RBC Cup championship team at Beach Radio/Vernon Matters. (Vernon Matters photo)

Klepp spent several months talking with people who have been involved in the local hockey scene – players, coaches, owners, fans, and volunteers. Also, local journalists such as Roger Knox, Kevin Mitchell, and Pete McIntyre shared their knowledge and experience.

The Vernon Museum and Archives and the Lumby Museum shared archival material that reached back to 1894, the first reported instance of a game played by a Vernon team.

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The book pays tribute to the Vernon Coy Cup champions of the 20s and 30s and the success of the Vernon Canadians in the 50s. There’s a chapter on the Civic Arena and complete coverage of six national championships for Laker and Viper junior teams.

Klepp also includes 44 feature articles about Vernon players, coaches, and owners, including Odie Lowe, Eddie Johnstone, Dennis Holland, Troy Mick, Garth Gartner, Lennie Rampone, and the Jones twins.

Klepp, 77, is originally from Canwood Saskatchewan. He came to Vernon in 1993 when he started going to Viper games, and after retiring from the college in 2005, he joined the Vipers radio broadcast team as an analyst for 12 years.

Klepp says the Vipers have bankrolled the book, and he’s put money into it as well, with 200 copies printed so far.

“It’s printed locally by Colour Copies on 25th Avenue. They’ve done a sensational job. It’s full of pictures and full of stories about individual players.”

Todd Miller, Executive Vice President of the Vernon Vipers, had the original idea for the book.

“This year the BCHL is celebrating its 60th year of operations and we thought that a book about 60 years of Vernon Junior A hockey would be a unique way of celebrating that history,” said Miller, who formerly worked with Klepp as the play-by-play team for Vipers radio broadcasts on KISS FM, the previous name of 107.5 Beach Radio.

“I approached Don Klepp to write the book because of his writing experience and because he’s been involved with the Vipers for about 20 years. In Don fashion, he went beyond those 60 years, all the way to the beginning of hockey in Vernon,” Miller added.

The book sells for $25, including taxes. It is available from the Viper office, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Books will also be available at the Vipers exhibition game, Saturday, September 25.

You can also email Don to order a copy at klepp999@gmail.com