The Vernon Vipers are moving home ice.
An ice chiller issue at Kal Tire Place South has closed the arena, affecting this weekend’s set of games against Alberni Valley and Nanaimo.
Friday night’s game will now be scheduled for Sunday night at 7 p.m. against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and be played at Kal Tire Place North.
Saturday night’s game will still go at 6 p.m. against Nanaimo, but will also be played at Kal Tire Place North.
“We are obviously disappointed in the situation we find ourselves in,” said executive vice president of the Vipers Todd Miller. “However, we do understand and appreciate this affects many other groups as well. We are working hard with everyone involved to help find a solution.”
The team is currently trying to determine the number of season ticket holders that will be attending these games, as they’ll be given priority admission.
“We need season ticket holders and fans who have already purchased single game tickets to contact our office so that we can arrange a voucher for admission.”
Contact the Vipers office at 250-542-6022.
On game days, admission will be rush seating. Season ticket holders will be allowed in first (5 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday). Other ticket holders will then be allowed to find a remaining seat or standing room spot. Fans are asked to allow wheelchairs to use the marked positions in the arena.
There will be a full concession plus beer and wine sales.
Obviously not all season ticket holders will fit in the 400-occupancy standing room-only arena.
“This has been a logisitcal nightmare for our team who have been working very hard to find solutions. This is far from ideal and is extremely frustating for everyone. We are hopeful that we can make the best of a terrible situation.”
Other arena options in nearby BCHL rinks were explored but due to scheduling and available ice times it was not a feasible option. Other nearby rinks also didn’t have more seating (room) as Kal Tire Place North or the infrastructure for broadcasting the game.
Due to league scheduling and being near the end of the regular season, rescheduling was not an option.
The team is looking at having its flo-hockey broadcasts in place and seeing if it can show the game in Kal Tire Place on the big screen.
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