Vernon Vipers (file photo / Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

Schedule to be announced soon

City welcomes BCHL ‘pod’ for Kal Tire Place

Mar 15, 2021 | 3:40 PM

The City of Vernon is welcoming last week’s announcement that Vernon will be a pod city for the return to play of the Vernon Vipers.

The BCHL announced Friday March 12 there would be five provincial pods for the 17 team league, including Vernon and Penticton.

“The City has worked closely with the Vernon Vipers and the BCHL to secure game times at Kal Tire Place with limited impact to current user groups,” Leah Walker, Manager, Customer Service – Recreation said.

The BCHL will be announcing pod teams and a game schedule at a later date, identifying who else will play at Kal Tire Place.

“The Vernon Vipers truly appreciate the work that the City of Vernon and staff did in making this happen for us and the British Columbia Hockey League,” Todd Miller, Executive Vice President, Vernon Vipers Hockey Club said.

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The safe return to play plan, approved by the public health officer requires the teams to only play within their ‘pods’ and strictly limits the number of people allowed in the building to those who are essential to make the game happen. This, unfortunately, means that spectators will not be able to be present for these games.

“The City of Vernon is excited to be named a host city for BCHL pod game play,” Mayor Victor Cumming said. “We have missed having the Vernon Vipers on the ice and are excited to see this first step towards a return to play. We know many fans are anxious to get back in their seats to cheer on the team, but we’ll continue to wait patiently until the time comes that we can gather again safely and be among the hometown crowd.”

The games will be broadcast on 107.5 Beach Radio, with the voice of the Vipers Graham Turnbull.