Lukas Lomicky (left) is the Vernon Vipers new head coach and director of hockey operations. Colton Sparrow is assistant coach and director of player personnel (Vernon Vipers image)

By Pete McIntyre

Junior hockey

Vernon Vipers announce coaching staff for 2024-25 season

Jun 10, 2024 | 3:30 PM

The Vernon Vipers have chosen their coaching staff for the 2024-25 BC Hockey League season, deciding to retain the two men that ended last season behind the bench.

Lukas Lomicky, who was the interim coach for the final 10 games of the regular season and then into two rounds of the playoffs, has been named head coach and director of hockey operations.

Before joing the Vipers, the 36-year-old from Czechia was previously a head coach with the KIJHL’s Revelstoke Grizzlies and spent four years as an assistant coach with the Prince George Spruce Kings and Vipers.

Lomicky said it’s an honour to be chosen as the Vipers new head coach.

“I want to thank [team owners] John and Tom [Glen] for their belief in me and I look forward to leading this group. Vernon is one of the premier franchises and a special place in the BCHL. With a history of great alumni, on ice success and a passionate fan base, I am looking forward to working with our staff and players to create a winning culture. Our returning players and incoming recruits will understand what it takes to be a Vernon Viper,” Lomicky remarked.

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Colton Sparrow will continue in his role as assistant coach and will add the role of director of player personnel and recruiting. The team won’t have a general manager.

The 30-year-old Vernon product has spent the last four seasons with the Vipers and played his entire junior career in his hometown.

“I am really excited about extending my time in Vernon,” Sparrow said. “This organization is very close to my heart, and I look forward to building on what we’ve started in front of the best fans in the BCHL.”

Vipers executive vice president Todd Miller said both Lomicky and Sparrow did a tremendous job last season in a tough situation after former head coach and GM Jason McKee parted ways with the team late in the season, on March 16, 2024.

“They are both outstanding people and excellent choices to lead our hockey operations and on ice product going forward,” Miller stated.

Miller said Lomicky, who joined the team in 2022, is a tireless worker who doesn’t leave anything to chance.

“His attention to detail, work ethic and hockey IQ are second to none. He is well liked by the players and understands what it takes to win a championship.”

Miller said Sparrow, being a home-town product, understands the tradition and winning ways of the franchise.

“He has been instrumental in our recruiting process for the past couple of seasons and now will lead that part of our operation along with his bench duties,” Miller commented. “He is a Vernon Viper through and through and is a great choice to fill this role going forward. I look forward to working with both gentlemen and believe they have what it takes to bring a championship to Vernon.”

Season tickets for the 2024-2025 season are on sale now. For more details, click HERE.