Dean McAmmond will preach the Gospel of Hockey to the Vernon Vipers.

The B.C. Hockey League team has added the former NHL forward to its coaching staff, as an assistant coach, and will also help team Pastor Dave Hockley with the organization's Chapel Program.

"I'm really excited about adding Dean to our staff," said Vipers head coach Lukas Lomicky. "He is, first and foremost, a first-class person. We are gaining someone who has played 1,000 NHL games, and the experience that comes along with that is invaluable.

"He will provide our players and staff with the best tools to improve both individually and as a team. I can't wait to continue working with Dean to help us in our push for the playoffs."

A native of Grande Cache, Alta., McAmmond finished four games shy of 1,000 in the NHL for his career, which spanned from 1991 to 2010. He suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils.

McAmmond was both an assistant and head coach with the North Okanagan Knights (now Quesnel River Rush) in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League from 2018-2020.

"I'm really looking forward to joining the Vipers organization," said McAmmond. "I've enjoyed watching the team over the years, and always felt it would be special to participate in an active role with the club."

The Vipers currently sit in 10th place in the Interior Conference, seven points behind the eighth-place Okotoks Oilers for the final playoff spot. Vernon hosts the Oilers Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. at Kal Tire Place.

Vernon will entertain the third-place Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m.