The Vernon Vipers announced Tuesday that two members of the organisation's hockey department have received internal promotions, moves the club says are intended to preserve continuity and strengthen both the coaching bench and player-management work behind the scenes.
Promotions aim to bolster stability and talent evaluation
Mike Sommer has been promoted to associate coach and assistant general manager, while Ryan Hollweg has been elevated to associate coach, the club confirmed. The changes follow Sommer's first season with the Vipers and build on a coaching staff that head coach and general manager Matt Cooke described as foundational to the team's progress.
“Building a successful organization takes trust, continuity and a great team around you. Over the past year we’ve built a tremendous foundation, and none of that happens without outstanding people working toward the same vision every day. Mike and Ryan have both earned these opportunities through their commitment, professionalism and the impact they’ve had on our players and our organisation.”
Cooke’s statement, released by the club, frames the promotions as recognition of both on-ice coaching contributions and the less-visible work that keeps a junior club functioning—player evaluation, recruitment and daily hockey operations.
Backgrounds and roles
Sommer joined the Vipers ahead of the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach. Before coming to Vernon he worked in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) as an assistant coach with the New York Sirens for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In addition to his coaching duties with the Vipers, the club credited him with significant contributions to player assessment, recruitment and the day-to-day management of the hockey department.
Sommer responded to the promotion by pointing to the organisation’s momentum and the opportunity to continue building a competitive club for players and the community.
“Our organisation has a lot of momentum right now. There’s a real belief in what we’re building and it’s exciting to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute as we build a team that makes our players, fans and community proud.”
Ryan Hollweg, who brought 228 NHL games of playing experience to the bench when he joined the Vipers last season, has also been elevated within the coaching ranks. The club highlighted his experience and the value it brought to the coaching group during his initial season in Vernon.
- Mike Sommer — promoted to associate coach and assistant general manager; joined Vipers 2025-26; prior PWHL assistant coach with New York Sirens (2023-24, 2024-25).
- Ryan Hollweg — promoted to associate coach; joined Vipers last season with 228 NHL games of experience.
- Matt Cooke — Vipers head coach and general manager, emphasised continuity and internal development.
Local impact and context
For a junior hockey organisation embedded in a mid-size city like Vernon, continuity in coaching and hockey operations is more than a staffing matter; it influences player recruitment, development pathways and the game product that draws local fans to the rink. The Vipers’ decision to promote from within signals an emphasis on maintaining a shared vision rather than pursuing external change.
Sommer’s dual role combining bench duties with assistant general manager responsibilities formalises the link between coaching input and roster construction. That blended approach can speed decision-making on player signings, scouting priorities and day-to-day operational matters, all of which affect the dressing-room environment and the club’s performance over a season.
Hollweg’s NHL background, meanwhile, brings professional playing experience into the junior room. The club says that experience has already been a valuable asset since his arrival.
| Individual | New Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Sommer | Associate coach & assistant general manager | Joined Vipers 2025-26; PWHL New York Sirens assistant coach (2023-24, 2024-25) |
| Ryan Hollweg | Associate coach | Joined last season; 228 NHL games of playing experience |
The Vipers framed the moves as rewards for professionalism and impact, and as deliberate steps to keep the organisation moving forward under Cooke’s direction. Those watching the team this coming season will be looking for how the new structure shapes the club’s recruitment, game preparation and, ultimately, results on the ice—factors that matter to fans, players and the broader Vernon community.
The club released the announcement on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
