The Vernon Vipers continue to tinker with their roster.
The Snakes have announced the signing of defenceman Landon Pappas, 19, of Airdrie, Alta.
The left-handed shooting blueliner joins the Vipers after a recent stint with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League. Pappas is also coming off a strong season with the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, where he pocketed six goals and 23 assists in 55 games.
“We have been big fans of Landon for quite some time now, so we’re really excited for him to join us,” said Colton Sparrow, Vipers assistant coach and director of player personnel
“He moves the puck extremely well and can exit with it also. He’s a heads-up, elite passer. We are excited to see what he can bring while we provide him with a great environment to develop as a person and a hockey player.”
The five-foot-11,165-pound Pappas brings skill and vision to the Vipers’ defence. Known for his impressive puck-moving abilities, he is poised to add depth and agility to the roster.
“I am very excited to get the opportunity to join the Vernon Vipers,” said Pappas, who has a commitment to Bemidji State University locked up “I’m looking forward to developing as a player and a person, so this was an easy choice. I can’t wait to get started and get back to work.”
Pappas may be in the lineup Wednesday when the Vipers entertain the Victoria Grizzlies at Kal Tire Place. Face-off is at 7 p.m. for Vernon's lone mid-week home game of 2024-25.
The Snakes enter the contest at the bottom of the Interior West Division standings with a record of 4-7-2-0, one point behind the West Kelowna Warriors.
The Grizzlies sit second in the Coastal West Division at 6-4-2-0, one point behind the division-leading Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Vernon is 3-2 over its last five games while Victoria is 1-4.
The Vipers will play three Sunday afternoon games this year, including a date with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Nov. 24. Vernon will also play Sunday home contests against the Brooks Bandits Feb. 2, and the Spruce Grove Saints March 16. All Sunday games start at 2 p.m.
The rest of Vernon's home games are on Friday or Saturday evenings.
