The snake den is turning over in strength to hopefully help boost the Vernon Vipers ahead of their upcoming season.
Mike Sommer and Ryan Hollweg have moved in as assistant coaches as the Snakes get ready for their BCHL season to start in September.
Former NHL star Hollweg enjoyed a distinguished professional playing career that spanned more than a decade, including six seasons with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Phoenix Coyotes from, 2005-2011.
A BCHL alumnus, Hollweg suited up for 58 games with the Langley Hornets in 1998乌鸦传媒�99 before going on to a Western Hockey League and professional career. He concluded his playing days overseas with HC Plze艌 in Czechia, retiring in 2018.
Following his retirement, Hollweg transitioned into coaching, beginning as associate coach with the the Vancouver NW Hawks U18 program and then with the Langley Rivermen last season.
乌鸦传媒淗e brings a wealth of knowledge, not only from his playing career in the NHL, but also from his coaching career since retirement," said Matt Cooke, recently added Vipers head coach and general manager. "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.乌鸦传媒�
Hollweg is honoured to join the snake den.
乌鸦传媒淭hey have a long, rich history of excellence with an amazing fan base, and I look forward to getting to work," Hollweg said.
Sommer, a native of White Rock, joins the Vipers after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Sirens of the Professional Women乌鸦传媒檚 Hockey League (PWHL).
乌鸦传媒淢ike乌鸦传媒檚 addition to our coaching staff is a significant step forward, allowing us to strengthen multiple facets of our team,乌鸦传媒� said Cooke. 乌鸦传媒淲ith the support of Tom (Glen, owner), I truly believe we乌鸦传媒檙e building one of the most well-rounded and dynamic coaching staffs in junior hockey."
Prior to coaching in the PWHL, Sommer was a long-time assistant coach with the University of B.C. Thunderbirds from 2015 to 2023.
"Mike brings a wealth of experience across all levels of development and has been coaching at the professional level in recent years," said Cooke. "It speaks to his deep understanding of the game. I乌鸦传媒檓 excited to work alongside him in the coach乌鸦传媒檚 room where we乌鸦传媒檒l collaborate on systems and a development plan to guide our players to success this season.乌鸦传媒�
Sommer is also excited to move up the province, bringing his family to call the Okanagan home.
乌鸦传媒淚 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乌鸦传媒� passionate fan base," said Sommer ahead of Hollweg's announcement.
The Vipers start their pre-season Friday, Sept. 5 on home ice against the Cranrbook Bucks at Kal Tire Place North. All Vernon pre-season home games will be played at KTPN as a new scoreboard is being installed in the main, southern rink.
Vernon then heads to West Kelowna to battle the Warriors Saturday, Sept. 6.
The Snakes are back home Tuesday, Sept. 9, to take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Then Trail comes to town Sept. 12 to round out the pre-season.
The regular season starts Sept. 19 at the main Kal Tire Place rink against the Smoke Eaters.
All games start at 7 p.m.
