Jason McKee is no longer the coach and GM of the Vernon Vipers (file photo/Vernon Vipers)

By Pete McIntyre

Junior hockey

Vernon Vipers ‘part ways’ with head coach and GM

Mar 16, 2024 | 2:00 PM

A surprise announcement from the Vernon Vipers.

The BC Hockey League team issued a news release on its website Saturday, March 16, confirming the news that Jason McKee is no longer with the club.

“The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club and General Manager/Head Coach Jason McKee have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately,” the release said.

“The organization would like to thank Jason for his contributions and efforts during his tenure with the organization.”

Lukas Lomicky and Colton Sparrow will continue as coaches with the Vipers who have six games left in their regular season.

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McKee, 44, has not been behind the Vipers bench for the past few games which had led to speculation about his future.

No details about why he is leaving were announced.

“The Vipers would like to wish Jason all the best in his future endeavors,” the team’s posting said.

(Vernon Vipers image)

McKee had been the Vipers coach and GM since 2019, and the team won three first-round playoff series during that span although one season was cancelled after the first round by the COVID-19 pandemic and the next year did not have any playoffs for the same reason

This season, the team was 28-19-1-0 and in fourth place in the Interior Conference.

Before Vernon, he was the head coach of the WHL’s Vancouver Giants. He also served as head coach and GM of the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for six seasons.

As a player, McKee was a defenceman who spent one season in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds and after his junior career, he played 50 games in the ECHL with the Richmond Renegades, Baton Rouge Kingfish and Birmingham Bulls.