Simon Binkley will not have to go far from home to play hockey next year.
The native of Fairbanks, Alaska will be playing post-secondary hockey with the University of Fairbanks Alaska Nanooks, after securing a scholarship for the 2025-26 season.
"I’m super excited to make it official and finally come home and play in front of friends and family,” said Binkley. “I grew up going to the games and the Nanooks were my biggest inspiration growing up. The facilities are second to none and with them being so close to home, it seemed like the perfect fit.”
In his first season with the Vipers, the 18-year-old has seven assists and one goal in 25 games played.
The Nanooks compete in the NCAA Division One level as an independent and have two NCAA tournament appearances. However, as a result of multiple league rule violations, those berths were vacated. This season, the team has a 5-8-3 record.
Notable Vipers who have donned the Nanooks jersey include assistant coach Colton Sparrow and former Vipers Chris and Steven Jandric.
The final game before the Christmas break for Vernon is on Friday, Dec. 13 at home against the Blackfalds Bulldogs. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
