BlueStar Coachlines

View Original

Proud Transportation Provider for the Vernon Vipers

The Vernon Vipers are a BCHL Junior A hockey team located in Vernon, BC in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. BlueStar has proudly been the transportation provider for the team since BlueStar stated almost 4 years ago. Their regular driver Cal Dalzell is loved by the team. Cal gets the players safely and comfortably to all their away games which include Port Alberni, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Duncan, Langley, Merritt, Nanaimo, Penticton, Powell River, Prince George, Salmon arm, Surrey, Trail, Victoria, West Kelowna and Wenatchee. Our DOT certified drivers access all major destinations in Western Canada and the United States. BlueStar is a proud corporate sponsor of the Vernon Vipers team and our logo can be seen on the rink boards.

The British Columbia Hockey League is widely known as one of the top junior hockey organizations in North America and former players have gone on to successful hockey careers. The following former Vipers are currently playing in the NHL:

  • Aaron Volpatti (Vernon Vipers 2003-2006) Currently playing with the NHL Washington Capitals

  • Matt Watkins (Vernon Vipers 2004-2005) Currently playing with the NHL Washington Capitals

  • Tyson Strachen (Vernon Vipers 2002-2003) Currently playing with the NHL Washington Capitals

  • Rod Pelley (Vernon Vipers 2001-2002) Currently playing with the NHL New Jersey Devils

  • Mike Santorelli (Vernon Vipers 2003-2004) Currently playing with the NHL Vancouver Canucks

The Vipers are proud to be a part of the Vernon community and have participated in several community events. The players conduct a food drive in December with all donations going to the Salvation Army to assist families in need. Also, at Christmas time the team has a teddy bear toss at one of the home games, with all the toys going to the Beach Radio Santa Toy Fund. All the funds from the 50-50 draws at the home games go to a number of worthwhile community causes such as the Vernon Fire fighters Burn Fund and the BC Children’s Hospital. All members of the team participate in the annual Terry Fox Run in September. The team also supports the Vernon Dry Grad, Tim Hortons camp Day, Vernon special Olympics Gold Tournament plus many more worthwhile causes.

Many of the players have had to move away from home at a young age in order to fulfill their dream of playing hockey. They are expected to perform both on and off the ice in their new community and need support. Thanks to the caring billet families these young athletes are assisted with the transition and helped to realize their dreams. The billet family experience in most cases becomes a lasting relationship between the player, the players family and the billet family. Without the billet families the Vipers would not be able to put a team on the ice.

In the past season 2018/2019 the Vipers did very well in the playoffs. They contended for the Fred Page Cup, but unfortunately were dominated by the Prince George Spruce Kings. BlueStar was excited to be able to take a busload of fans to the away games in the playoffs.

Please contact BlueStar at info@bluestarcoachlines.com or 778-478-3866 if you would like a quote for your team’s transportation requirements.