Roanoke Valley Vipers cease operations
May 15, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Roanoke Valley Vipers News Release
ROANOKE, VA - The Roanoke Valley Vipers, member of the United Hockey League (UHL), announced today that they will not return to the ice in Roanoke for another season.
"We would like to thank our loyal supporters on behalf of all members of the organization," said co-owner Kristen Dixon. "We regret that the anticipated attendance was not realized during our first year, but we wish all of our fans, corporate partners, and friends the best of luck in the future."
The Vipers organization was relocated from Port Huron, Michigan to the Roanoke Valley following the 2004-05 season after the community showed great interest in hosting a professional hockey team as it had in the past. The Vipers enjoyed several high points during their inaugural season in Roanoke. These included a UHL Player of the Week award for rookie defenseman Alex Jerofejevs for the week of November 7-13, 2005, and the naming of three Vipers players as 2006 UHL All-Stars. Former Vipers captain David Beauregard, rookie Louis-Philippe "L.P." Martin, and Jerofejevs were all named to Team Aquafina, and Beauregard was named team MVP after his four-goal performance in the game, which led his team to victory over Team Gatorade. Martin (1G) and Jerofejevs (1A) each contributed a point in the All-Star Classic as well. In March, the Vipers honored former Roanoke and NHL hockey star Dave "The Hammer" Schultz as well as former Roanoke and NHL goaltender and Vipers head coach Daniel Berthiaume by retiring their jersey numbers. Both greats were present for the ceremony as their banners were raised to the rafters at the Roanoke Civic Center.
The Vipers ownership, staff, and players would like to thank their loyal fans and corporate partners for the support they have shown over the past season.
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