Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers are pleased to announce the leadership group for the 2023-2024 Season.
The next Captain of the Vernon Vipers will be Connor Elliott. The Coldstream product is entering his fifth year in the BCHL and fourth full season.
“It’s an honour to be named captain of this team,” says Elliott. “We’ve got a great group of guys and I can’t wait to see what we’re going to accomplish this year.”
Elliott becomes the 6th local captain since 1997. Joining the fantastic list of Garth Gartner, Kori Davison, Chad Murray, Dave Robinson, and Jagger Williamson.
Joining Elliott will be the longest serving Viper, Luke Pakulak. The Surrey product enters his fourth season with the Snakes suiting up for 112 games during that time.
“It’s an honour to be recognized as an assistant captain,” says Pakulak. “I’ll have a great opportunity to develop as a player and a leader this year.”
Anthony Cliché will also wear a letter this year. The 20-year-old defenseman from Quebec brings a stabilizing force to the blueline and the dressing room. He enters his 3rd year with the Vipers.
“I am honoured to be a part of the leadership group,” says Cliche. “I will use my junior hockey experience to help the boys be in the right mindset for this upcoming season.”
Hank Cleaves and Julian Facchinelli round out the remainder of the group. Both players made great strides in their rookie seasons and will be heavily leaned upon to help carry the torch.
“It’s a huge honour to be a part of this amazing organization, team, and leadership group,” says Facchinelli. “I’m so excited and ready to get things going on Friday.”
“It’s a true honour and means so much to me to be a part of the leadership group here in Vernon,” says Cleaves. “I am really grateful and ready for the opportunity and can’t wait for the regular season to get going.”
“Our staff believes we have a very strong mix of personalities within the leadership group to handle the challenges that will come along during the season,” says Head Coach and GM of the Vipers Jason McKee. “They will be a great extension of the coaching staff and will all play a major role on the team this year. The organization is excited for the continued contribution this group will make on the ice in Kal Tire Place and the community of Vernon as a whole.”
Please join us in congratulating this group on this honour as they get set to start the regular season on Friday.
