Hudson Valley Minor-League Hockey Team Wins Championship in First Year of Existence

The Hudson Valley Vipers take home the cup! The Hudson Valley Vipers are a Senior AAA full contact minor-league hockey in the American Premier Hockey League. The Hudson Valley's newest minor-league hockey team just won the American Premiere Hockey League Championship in their inaugural season! How's that for a first year? The Hudson Valley Vipers beat the Toledo Mobsters on Saturday, May 18th 7 - 4!

The APHL offers a competitive Semi Pro AAA Hockey experience that provides local, regional, and national exposure for our hockey players. The mission for the American Premier Hockey League is to provide a hockey league that is safe, fun and rewarding for players to compete in; each team recruits LOCAL players while offering a strong alternative route in semi-professional hockey. The APHL focuses on two paths that our players embark on, while providing an opportunity for our players need to grow in their personal lives inside and outside the rink.

You can watch the Hudson Valley Vipers win the cup below, as they faced the Toledo Mobsters over the weekend.

The Hudson Valley Vipers Expand to the FPHL

Besides winning the APHL Championship, The Hudson Valley Vipers just announced some additional news of expansion. Pat Manning, owner of the Hudson Valley Vipers, acquired the Elmira River Sharks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). With Mr. Manning as President, the team will be renamed Hudson Valley Venom and will continue to play in the FPHL.

The Federal Prospects Hockey League is a Class A level, professional league dedicated to the growth of professional hockey and development of elite athletes.  In preparation for the upcoming season, the Hudson Valley Venom will be hosting and attending community events and meet-and-greet sessions to engage with fans and introduce the team’s players and coaching staff. Details about these events and ticket sales for the 2024-2025 season will be announced in the upcoming month. Season Ticket sales will begin on Tuesday, May 21 with information released then.

The Venom will bring the same competitiveness and community spirit that the Vipers quickly became known for, continuing the legacy of family-fun entertainment for their Hudson Valley fans. "We are thrilled to be playing among the elite as the Hudson Valley Venom in the FPHL, " said Pat Manning.  "This acquisition allows us to strengthen our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, family entertainment and development opportunities within our community."

The Elmira River Sharks played at the First Arena in Elmira, NY. Now, as the Hudson Valley Venom, the team will play their home games at McCann Ice Arena, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie NY. Fans can look forward to an exhilarating season filled with intense matchups, skilled play, and memorable moments as the FPHL attracts players from North America and Europe to participate in a paid, professional league. The FED, as they are commonly called, sees tens of thousands of loyal fans attend their favorite team’s arenas over their 56-game season that runs October through April.

The Hudson Valley Vipers Take a Bite Out of Hockey

Did you have any idea that the Hudson Valley had a new minor-league hockey team? They are new as of this year, and they are one of the best things that have happened to the Hudson Valley since the Hudson River itself! The Hudson Valley Vipers are a Senior AAA full contact minor-league hockey in the American Premier Hockey League. Their mascot is Vic Viper and his 'Hyper Vipers' play in the "Snake Pit" at the McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie, NY.

I just got to say, I love going to Vipers Games. They are lively and energetic, and the Gameplay is terrific. It is really amazing that we have something like this in Poughkeepsie. I've met so many cool people in the stands, and the atmosphere is great for people of all ages and all interests in hockey. People are starting chants every five seconds, and there is even a guy with a giant bass drum adding that extra "umph!"

The Hudson Valley Vipers won the East Division Playoffs, defeating Niagra Falls on Saturday, May 11th. This is an incredible feat since this is only the Vipers' first year in existence! This season, out of the 20 Games the Vipers have played, they have won 14 Games, lost 5, and tied 1.

I got to speak with defenseman No. 22, Trevor Souza on the Hudson Valley Vipers ahead of the championship. He's had 13 assists and 3 goals for the season. Souza has played hockey practically all his life, saying "since I could walk practically." Souza found out about the tryouts from his friend Sean, and then his parents also saw the tryout posting on Facebook. Trevor Souza told me,

Personally, it feels great to be playing fun and comPetitive hockey with a bunch of good guys... I think it's pretty cool representing the Hudson Valley Vipers and the Hudson Valley in general. Being from Hyde Park, there's been little hockey in this area growing up besides watching Marist Games when I was a kid. I Traveled a lot to play, and to finally have a hockey team in Poughkeepsie feels amazing. To bring the Game of hockey to a place where it particularly has not been super popular, and to make more people fans of the sport, is a great feeling.