Image credit: Vernon Vipers

By Pete McIntyre

college hockey

Vernon Vipers defenceman commits to Wildcats

Dec 7, 2023 | 10:45 AM

One of the Vernon Vipers top defencemen will be off to Marquette, Michigan to play college hockey next fall.

The Vipers have announced that Anthony Cliche has committed to Northern Michigan University for 2023-24.

“This is Anthony’s third year with the Vipers and he has steadily improved throughout his time with the organization to a point where he is one of the most complete defencemen in the BCHL,” Jason McKee, Vipers head coach and GM, said. “This is a tremendous achievement for Anthony and his family and look forward to his continued contributions to our team this season.”

The Vallee-Jonction, QC product has played in 104 regular season and playoff games for the Vipers. He is the team’s leading point-getter among blueliners this season with 8 goals and 13 assists for 21 points.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to pursue my hockey career at Northern Michigan,” Cliche, 20, said. “I’d like to thank my family and friends for supporting me as well as the Vernon Vipers organization for giving me a chance to play and grow my game.”

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The Northern Michigan University Wildcats are an NCAA Division 1 program that plays in the CCHA Conference. They play out of the Berry Events Center in Marquette, Michigan. They have won the NCAA championship once, in 1991.

Cliche is the tenth Vipers player from this season to commit to a NCAA Division 1 school.