Vegreville Vipers Join Can-Am Junior Hockey League

Vegreville Vipers Join Can-Am Junior Hockey League

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Vegreville Vipers are one of five Canadian and one American team that have agreed to establish a new league called the Can-Am Junior Hockey League.

The new league will be governed by its founding teams and continue to operate as a Tier 2 Junior A hockey model.

Dawson Bilyk fires a howitzer of a shot.

(Michelle Pinon/ Photo)

Vipers General Manager Bryan Brown explained the situation by saying its former affiliate, the Western States Hockey League, (WSHL) officials “had made some false promises, and didn’t keep up their end of the bargain as promised to our provincial division, and we had talked about a future different league development, but after Vegas it was apparent because of the organization, it was going to happen for next season.

It was a high scoring affair with the Vipers edging out the Vernal Oilers 7-5. Viper forward Matthew Borg tries to get a handle on the puck.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

But after a short league meeting, the commissioner decided he was ready to make a change sooner than later, and we agreed as a division. And the six remaining WSHL teams parted our ways, forming a new league called the Can-Am Jr Hockey League.”

The Vipers will finish off the season with the six teams. Brown said there are “a lot of new teams interested in joining our new Jr. A Tier 2 league for next season” and he is very excited about its future.

Vipers celebrate after scoring one of their goals.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Brown said they are planning to have a minimum of 16 teams, and can accommodate up to 36 teams next season. “This will be one of the biggest Jr. A Tier 2 Hockey Leagues around. I’m very excited to be one of the spear headers to make it happen for sure. We will be looking for a commissioner, and a couple of other positions going forward.”

He went on to say, “All of the coaches, players and staff are extra excited as are our fans. This is a new league and lots of new things to look forward to.”

Vipers’ goalie Sam Delaisse heads off the ice.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)