Former Vernon Vipers general manager Jason McKee has joined the Penticton Vees as an assistant coach, less than three weeks from the start of the 2024-2025 BCHL season.
“I look forward to having Jason join our staff," said Fred Harbinson, the Vees' head coach, general manager and president. "I have had an opportunity to coach against his teams for many years and they were always well prepared and structured."
McKee joins the Vees after spending parts of the last four seasons as general manager and head coach of the Vipers.
The 45-year-old parted ways with Vernon in March 2024, just weeks before the start of the BCHL Playoffs.
McKee's coaching resume also includes two seasons with the WHL's Vancouver Giants and 10 years with the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).
The former defenceman guided the Saints to four AJHL championships, three with him serving in the dual role of general manager and head coach.
“I look forward to the opportunity to work with a first-class organization and to be a part of this great community,” McKee said on Sept. 4, when it was announced he would be joining the Vees. "My day-to-day responsibilities might look a little different than years past, but I’m excited to spend time focusing on developing our players and our group as a whole."
Penticton is set to play two pre-season contests this weekend, first in Trail on Friday and then at the South Okanagan Events Centre against Vernon on Saturday.
Regular-season action begins BCHL-wide on Sept. 20.
Penticton and Vernon will meet for the first time in the regular season on Oct. 5, at Kal Tire Place.
