Last Chance to the See Hudson Valley’s Latest Semi-Pro Hockey Team

Grab your friends, put on your black & gold, and get ready to make some noise! The Hudson Valley Vipers, the HV's latest hockey team, will be playing their last home game of the regular season on Saturday, April 20th at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie.

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.

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The Hudson Valley Vipers have had a hell of a first year. The Vipers are #2 in the Eastern Division, and have the 3rd best record in the league across divisions for the 2023-2024 season, as of this article. They have won over two thirds of their games with a record of 11-5-1. They've had 98 goals for them, and 85 goals against them for the season. 

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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!"

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I got to speak with defenseman No. 22, Trevor Souza on the Hudson Valley Vipers. Souza has played in 15 of the 17 games played this season. 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.

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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.

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Souza said, "Honestly, I think just growing hockey in the area would be the best legacy, in my opinion."

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The Hudson Valley Vipers Play Their Last Home Game of the Season

The Hudson Valley Vipers are having their last home game of the season on Saturday, 4/20 at 7pm at the McCann Ice Arena (MJN Convention Center) in Poughkeepsie. You can buy your tickets ahead of time at this link.

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Come out to Poughkeepsie to see an exciting in-person event as the Hudson Valley Vipers take on the North Shore Nighthawks in an no-holds barred match! Come cheer your Vipers and witness the action-packed game at our own McCann Ice Arena. Get ready to experience the intense rivalry between these two talented teams as they battle it out on the ice. Don't miss out on the chance to see some incredible plays, jaw-dropping saves, and electrifying goals. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for a fun night out, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

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