Former Vernon Vipers coach returns to lead Cowichan Valley Capitals

After a dismal start to the 2022-23 BC Hockey League season, the Cowichan Valley Capitals have made some big changes to freshen things up.

The Junior A hockey team, now under new management, has announced the return of its last successful head coach, Mike Vandekamp. The former Vernon Vipers head coach and general manager has held the position at Duncan for his two seasons in 2018-19 and his 2019-20, during which time he has rebuilt the team. He also serves as the general manager of the team.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Mike to our team and community and look forward to the future success of Cowichan Capitals,” said a press release from the team.

Van de Kamp was the Vipers head coach and GM from 2001-2005. He led the Vipers to his championship series in 2002 with Fred Paige in the league and Chilliwack in six games where he lost to the Chiefs.

The following year, Van de Kamp won a one-of-a-kind Fred Page Cup title, leading the Vipers to a sweep of the Chiefs to the 2003 championship. It was the third year in a row that Van de Kamp led the team to his BCHL final. He was head coach of his Merritt Centennials in 2001 and in Game 7 at home to Victoria he lost in overtime to Salsa.

Cowichan Valley went 6-11-1-1 in 19 games to finish eighth in the Coastal Conference, one point behind Chilliwack and the Powell River Kings, both tied for sixth. 1 point difference from the bottom.

Previously under Van de Kamp in 2020, the Capitals were set for the second round of the BCHL playoffs for the second year in a row until everything was shut down due to COVID-19. He has 35 wins, the most since 12.

The Snakes made their second trade of the week, sending Alberta forward Boden Singleton to home to the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for future consideration. Singleton did not record a point in his 16 games with Vernon.

Previously, the Vipers acquired forward Ethan Thunder from the Bucks and acquired forward Will Blackburn and the Futures.

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