The Vernon Vipers hit the Alberta road, facing tough opponents as they try to end an eight-game skid and reclaim momentum in the BCHL.
Vernon Vipers Hit Alberta with Winning Hopes
The Vernon Vipers are packing their bags and heading east, looking to turn around a tough start to 2026. Kicking off a three-game road swing in Alberta tonight, the Snakes will face the Spruce Grove Saints, a team that has edged them in their past encounters this season.
Close Battles Expected in Spruce Grove
Spruce Grove has the Vipers’ number so far, winning both meetings this year—3-2 in Vernon and 5-4 at home. In fact, almost all six career matchups between the teams have been decided by just one goal, hinting at another tight showdown tonight. Vernon’s only decisive win came back in 2024-25, a 4-2 victory at Kal Tire Place.
The stakes are high for Vernon, who haven’t won a game in 2026 and are on an eight-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Saints enter this matchup riding the confidence of a strong road trip, finishing with an 8-2 victory over Cranbrook Bucks.
Sherwood Park Awaits Friday
After a travel day on Thursday, the Vipers take on the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Friday, Feb. 6. Historically, Sherwood Park has been a tough hurdle for Vernon. The Vipers are 0-3 against the Crusaders this season and have yet to beat them in seven career meetings.
Blackfalds Bulldogs Close Out Trip
The Alberta road trip wraps up Saturday in Blackfalds against the Bulldogs. Vernon knows the Bulldogs well, having won three of the five matchups so far. The last victory, a 5-4 overtime thriller, came at Kal Tire Place on Dec. 20, giving the team hope as they chase their first win of the year.
Standings Highlight Challenges Ahead
The Vipers are currently at the bottom of the Interior West Division with an 8-22-6-0 record, six points behind fourth-place Cranbrook. While they hold two games in hand, the gap remains significant.
Their upcoming opponents are no pushovers. The Bulldogs sit atop the Interior East with a 26-11-1-0 record, while Sherwood Park holds third with 20-13-3-0. Spruce Grove is in fourth at 19-17-1-0, setting up a challenging road swing for Vernon.
Vipers fans are hoping this trip sparks a turnaround, proving that the team can fight back against tough competition and regain momentum before the season heats up.
