Meet the Coaches

Ray deChamplain

Ray DeChamplain is not knew in the hockey world having been involved with with the game for a long time. As a kid he went through all the minor ranks and proved to be an excellent player. As a father, he went through the same process all over again but this time as a coach. He still has one son playing for the Vipers and again he is behind the bench in a coaching capacity.

Ray is a calm individual who plays a very essential role within the club. He has a remarquable ability to appease and simmer down tempers when things get rough on the ice. He keeps things under control. He is a very supportive person and always find a way to encourage his players. He loves hockey, reads the game very well and can bring forth the necessary adjustments when needed.

Ray is now starting his third year as head coach of the Vipers and he is most happy to welcome both Doug and Mark Nysetvold as assistants coaches on the bench. At any level of hockey team coaching is an asset and Ray is the first to recognize that. He is very happy with this year's format and is looking forward to yet another year of rewarding coaching. Good luck Ray

Doug Nysetvold

Mark Nysetvold

The Vipers are pleased to welcome a new face at the coaching level this year as Mark Nysetvold decided to end his playing days to join the coaching staff of the Legal Vipers. Mark's decision to move on to the coaching level was a very welcome steps by head coach Ray DeChamplain who is first to praise his assistant coach.

Mark's hockey knowledge along with his eaze of communication will be most beneficial to the hockey team and the organization as a whole. His presence will widens the coaching staff's vision of the game and issues. As mentionned by head coach Ray DeChamplain, "It is difficult for one person to cover all the bases".

Mark's playing career started in Morinville area where he played his minor hockey days. During this period Mark played for the Midgets 'AAA' in -Fort Saskachewan and also participated in the Royal Bank Cup with the Kindersley Clippers, finishing second. At the senior level he played for a year and a half with Canmore Eagles and ended his career with the Vipers.

Mark is well know to the Legal fans who were always thrilled to watch the big winger in an end to end rush along the side boards and often ended up with the puck in the net. As they say "It is hard to stop a train". Welcome to the coaching level Mark and best of luck to you.

George Prefontaine

George is now starting his 6^th year at the helm of the Legal Vipers' Hockey Club. What was said about him at the onset still applies as he remains a very important cog in the larger Viper wheel. In all well structured organizations there is always someone who sits in the shade, goes unnoticed by the general public but performs very essential tasks for the overall well being of the organization. George is one of those. For starters, George shows up to most of the Vipers' games at home and away and stays right on top of things. He plays a variety of roles in the organization from general manager to assistant coach on the bench when need be.

Secondly, George maintains close contact with the players, the coaching staff and whoever else is involved with the Vipers' organization offering advice or suggestions. He is a very active member of the Vipers' executive and has served as President and General Manager of the Vipers since their inception in the league 5 years ago.

George played very litte hockey in his younger days but his love of hockey is very clearly reflected in his work with the Vipers Hockey Team today. Thanks George for a job well done. I must add at this point that Suzanne, George's wife, volunteers a lot of her time as well, as treasurer and supporter of the Vipers.