UPDATE: Vernon Vipers strengthen core behind the bench

Aug 11, 2025 | 10:52 AM

The Vernon Vipers has brought in two new coaching staff member.

The local BCHL team announced Monday, August 11, that Mike Sommer and Ryan Hollweg have been hired on as the Vipers’ Assistant Coaches for the upcoming season.

Sommer, of White Rock, brings over a decade of experience to the Vipers. He spent the previous two years as the Assistant Coach for the Professional Women Hockey League’s New York Sirens. He also was Assistant Coach for the UBC Thunderbirds from 2015 to 2023.

“Mike’s addition to our coaching staff is a significant step forward, allowing us to strengthen multiple facets of our team,” Matt Cooke, head coach and general manager of the Vipers, said.

“With the support of Tom, I truly believe we’re building one of the most well-rounded and dynamic coaching staffs in junior hockey. Mike brings a wealth of experience across all levels of development and has been coaching at the professional level in recent years. It speaks to his deep understanding of the game. I’m excited to work alongside him in the coach’s room where we’ll collaborate on systems and a development plan to guide our players to success this season.”

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Hollweg, meanwhile, has a long hockey career, including spending six years in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Phoenix Coyotes between 2005 to 2011. He is also a BCHL alumni, having played for the Langley Hornets in 1998-99, and closed out his playing career in 2018 with the HC Plzeň in Czechia. After his playing career was over, Hollweg transitioned to behind the bench, first serving as Associate Coach with the Vancouver NW Hawks U18 program, and most recently as Assistant Coach with the Langley Rivermen last season.

“I’m excited to add Ryan to our staff,” Cooke said.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge, not only from his playing career in the NHL, but also from his coaching career since retirement. Ryan has an intimate knowledge of the BCHL both as a player and a coach. He has a passion to help players improve and attain the next level, and his infectious personality makes him a great fit for our team.”

by Liam Verster

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