Vipers hire assistant coaches

The Vernon Vipers have filled out their coaching staff with the hirings of Larry Draper and Eric Morrissette.

The appointments were made by new head coach and GM Jason McKee.

Draper has spent the last nine seasons involved in Junior A Hockey. Nine years ago he worked with McKee in Spruce Grove where they went on to battle the Vipers in back to back Doyle Cups. From there he has held Assistant Coach and Assistant GM roles with the Bonnyville Pontiacs and Drayton Valley Thunder.

“It’s such and a privilege and an honor to be a part of an incredible organization,” said Draper. “Building off the success last season and continuing to help individual development is a main priority.

McKee said having an experienced coach like Draper on the hockey and management side is a huge gain. “He has a positive and up beat personality that really resonates with the players,” said McKee.

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Morrissette comes from a development background with over 20 years of experience working with players from Novice to the professional levels. He’s worked most recently at the collegiate level of both men and women’s hockey as well as being the Skill Development Coach with the Spruce Grove Saints.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the Vipers staff and more importantly the Vernon Hockey Community,” stated Morrissette. “I’m looking forward to working with families and coaches in the Vernon area and continue to focus on hockey development.”

“Eric is a fantastic communicator,” said McKee. “He is a relationship builder with the players and can really help them in terms of their individual skill development.”

Vipers owner John Glen added this comment on the new coaches, “We are very pleased to add Larry and Eric to the coaching staff. Both bring a wealth of hockey experience and knowledge to the program.

Training camp is currently underway with the Blue and White game slated for Wednesday night.

The Vipers play their first preseason game at home on Friday night when the Grande Prairie Storm visit Kal Tire Place.