Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
(Image credit: Vernon Vipers)
By Pete McIntyre
BCHL

Cold night, hot game: Vipers derail the Express

Jan 14, 2024 | 7:00 AM

A large crowd came out to Kal Tire Place on a very cold Saturday night, and it was worth it.

Owen Kim scored two goals to power the Vernon Vipers to a 3-2 win over the Coquitlam Express before 2,850 fans. Kim’s first goal got the crowd on their feet early, coming just 11 seconds into the contest.

Hank Cleaves netted the winner for the Snakes 7 minutes into the second period to complete the scoring in a game that saw the visitors outshoot the Vipers 37-26.

“We weren’t perfect, but I thought we worked and created enough to win,” Vipers assistant coach Colton Sparrow said. “It was an awesome night for the city and the Vipers. These were big two points.”

The Express were making their first stop in Vernon in four years due to the pandemic.

Fire spreads to house
Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire
Apr 02, 2026
Youth Health Services
Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon
Apr 02, 2026
Displaced For A Week
Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire
Apr 01, 2026

On Friday night, the league-leading Penticton Vees edged the Vipers 2-1 before a crowd of 2,867 at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Luke Bibby scored Vernon’s lone goal.

Colin Reay was in net for both games.

With the all-star events in Penticton next weekend, the Vipers don’t play again until Wednesday, Jan. 24 when they visit the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

by Pete McIntyre
View Comments

Other Matters

Ski Hill Celebrations
Seismic Spring Festival goes at SilverStar this weekend
Spring skiing reaches its peak this weekend as the Seismic Spring Festival wraps up at SilverStar Mountain Resort. The festivities ramp up with the Spring Queening terrain park events Friday through Sunday, as well as multiple other events running through the weekend.Saturday, April 4Retro DaySpring QueeningSovereign2S...
Apr 04, 2026
Read More
Calling for provincial help
Regional mayors outline priorities
Regional mayors have highlighted their most pressing concerns and needs from the province.A media release from the Mayors of the Okanagan Thursday, April 2, stated a priority remained public safety, especially increased investment in crown prosecutors in the Interior.One aspect highlights a lack of a voluntary treatmen...
Apr 03, 2026
Read More
volunteers needed
Get involved in Kelowna's City of Gastronomy future
Kelowna's new international designation as a City of Gastronomy through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is moving into its next phase.That will be the formation of a new Advisory Council and upcoming opportunities for community members to get involved.Two public info sessions are planned for April 14 and you can lea...
Apr 03, 2026
Read More
Fire spreads to house
Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire
Smoke billowed over Okanagan Lake after a fire broke out in a gated community Thursday afternoon.Vernon Fire Rescue Services received a report of a grass fire at the Cameron Point community off Delcliffe Road, south of Hurlburt Park, at around 2 p.m. April 2."Upon arrival crews found a fire that had started on the...
Apr 02, 2026
Read More
Community Safety
Speed Watch program resuming in Vernon
Volunteers will be taking to the streets to ensure motorists are being safe behind the wheel.Speed Watch kicks off in Vernon Tuesday, April 7.The program sees volunteers out monitoring drivers to ensure they are driving safely and within the speed limit.In 2025, the program saw volunteers donate over 420 hours of their...
Apr 02, 2026
Read More
System Upgrade
Central Okanagan switches to new emergency alert system
Central Okanagan Emergency Management is upgrading how it delivers urgent public safety information with a new system called Alertable by PEASI. The service replaces the current email notifications and allows residents to receive alerts through multiple channels, including mobile app notifications, text messages, email...
Apr 02, 2026
Read More
Matching Funds
KGH Foundation launches $2.5 million campaign for emergency department
The KGH Foundation is raising $2.5 million to improve Kelowna General Hospital's Emergency Department - the final phase of its $40 million Closer to Home Than You Think campaign.The department saw 101,089 visits in 2024-25, making it B.C.'s second-busiest after Surrey Memorial Hospital and busier than some large urban ...
Apr 02, 2026
Read More
Supporting sport, rec and community organizations
Funtastic accepting applications for its Community Grant Program
The organization that puts on the annual slo-pitch tournament and music festival is looking to support local sports groups.Funtastic Sports Society has opened the application process for its annual Community Grant Program.The organization has been offering these grants since it was founded in 1985, and over that time a...
Apr 02, 2026
Read More
Youth Health Services
Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon
Youth in the North Okanagan are getting more access to health services.Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District (CMHA Vernon), in partnership with Interior Health, will open a free drop-in sexual health and immunization clinic for youths aged 12 to 24 on Thursdays starting April 16."The focus of the ...
Apr 02, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Fire spreads to house
Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire
Apr 02, 2026
Youth Health Services
Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon
Apr 02, 2026
Displaced For A Week
Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire
Apr 01, 2026
High Fatal Overdose Risk
Drug alert issued in Vernon
Apr 01, 2026
Parkrun
Local teacher bringing global running group to the North Okanagan
Apr 01, 2026