Vipers leadership group for 2021-22 BCHL season (L-R: Nick Kent, JoJo Tanaka-Campbell, Ryan Shostak and Kjell Kjemhus. (Photo credit: Vernon Vipers)

By Pete McIntyre

BCHL

Vipers name new captain and assistants as new season begins

Oct 8, 2021 | 5:00 AM

Four players in their final seasons of junior hockey will form the Vernon Vipers leadership group this season.

The new captain of the BC Hockey League team is JoJo Tanaka-Campbell, a product of Mill Bay, B.C.

“It’s definitely an honour to wear a letter and something I’ve worked towards,” Tanaka-Campbell told the Vipers website. “I’m really excited for what is to come with this group. I think it’s an extremely special group of guys this year, so I’m looking forward to what we can achieve.”

Tanaka-Campbell is second on the team in games played over the last three seasons, trailing only one of the three assistant captains, Nick Kent. Kent has spent three seasons in the BCHL and has played in over 100 games including a league championship with Wenatchee.

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“It’s a big honour at this point in my career,” Kent commented. “I have watched other veterans in this role over the last two years and I’m looking forward to stepping in and mentoring younger players.”

The Ladera Ranch, California product has committed to Mercyhurst for next season.

The second assistant captain is third year Viper, Ryan Shostak.

“I’m very honoured to be named an assistant captain,” said the Calgary product. “I want to set a good example for my teammates on and off the ice. Our team has a ton of upside and I”m looking forward to what we can accomplish this year.”

Kjell Kjemhus will also wear an ‘A’ for the Vipers this season.

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity I have received to be a leader for the Vipers,” says Kjemhus, who is from Kelowna. “We have a fantastic group of young men on the team and I am super excited for my final season of junior hockey.”

“As a staff we feel very confident in the young men that will make up our leadership group,” said Jason McKee, the Vipers head coach and GM. “Each player brings something different to the team that is well respected by their teammates and the organization.”

The Vipers open their regular season tonight (Oct, 8) when they visit the Penticton Vees. Listen for all the Vipers games on 107.5 Beach Radio/Vernon Matters with Graham Turnbull, starting Friday at 6:45 p.m.

The Vipers first home game will be Saturday Oct. 16 against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

This is the 60th anniversary season for the BCHL.

Graham Turnbull is heading into his 8th season as the Voice of the Vernon Vipers with all 54 games on Beach Radio/Vernon Matters. (Vernon Matters photo)