Vipers gear up for playoffs

Photo: Contributed

As the Vernon Vipers prepare to enter the final weekend of the regular season, excitement is ramping up for a playoff run.

The Vipers are currently tied for second place in the Interior Division of the BC Hockey League with the Wenatchee Wild.

Both teams have 79 points, while the division-leading Penticton Vees are sitting at 83 points.

The West Kelowna Warriors are holding down the fifth spot with 57 points, while the Salmon Arm Silverbacks are last in the division with 50 points.

The Snakes playoff run is scheduled to begin Friday, March 2, but the six-time national champions will have to wait until the weekend is over to find out who their first-round opponent will be.

The Vipers will close the 2017-18 regular season at home when they face the Wild on Friday at Kal Tire Place. The puck drops at 7 p.m.

The final game of the regular season will pit the Vipers against the visiting Trail Smoke Eaters on Saturday. Game time is 6 p.m.

Tickets for the playoffs will go on sale at the Viper office beginning Monday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m.

And for youths wanting to catch playoff fever, children and students tickets in round one will be free thanks to Hytec a Kohler Company. While no purchase is necessary, each child or student will require a game ticket to be admitted.

“Hytec and Kohler are thrilled to continue a partnership with the Vernon Vipers in finding ways to give back to the community. We saw this as an excellent opportunity to partner with Beach Radio and the Vernon Morning Star to continue to make an impact and get the kids out to see some great playoff hockey. Go Vipers,” said Michael Sanfilippo, general manager for Hytec.