Vernon, B.C. – The Vernon Vipers are pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Sommer as Assistant Coach for the upcoming BCHL season.
“Mike’s addition to our coaching staff is a significant step forward, allowing us to strengthen multiple facets of our team,” says Matt Cooke, Head Coach and General Manager of the Vipers. “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.”
Sommer, a native of White Rock, B.C., joins the Vipers after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Sirens of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Prior to that, he enjoyed a long tenure as an assistant coach with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds from 2015 to 2023.
“I’m excited to join the Vernon Vipers and for my family to call the Okanagan home,” says Sommer. “I look forward to joining Tom and Matt and the organization in making Vernon a true destination for player development, playing a competitive style that really resonates with the Vipers’ passionate fan base.”
The Vernon Vipers are thrilled to welcome Mike and his family to Vernon and look forward to his contributions both on and off the ice.
