BCHL Interior Conference Preview:

This is in the BC Hockey Now Newspaper:

BCHL Interior Conference Preview

By Ryan Pinder

Vernon Vipers

2009/10 Record: (51-6-0-3) 105 points (1st), Won Fred Page Cup, Doyle Cup, RBC Cup – Back-to-Back National Champions

Key Losses: Kellen & Connor Jones, Braden Pimm, Kevin Kraus, Rob Short, Graeme Gordon (and many more two-time National Champions)

Key Returnees: Blake Voth, Dylan Walchuk, Adam Thompson, David Robinson,
Steven Weinstein

Welcome Aboard: Trevor Fitzgerald, Aaron Hadley, Todd Skirving, Brett Corkey,
Marcus Basara

Organizational News: The status quo probably isn’t a bad thing if you’re fresh off your second consecutive RBC Cup.

Expectations: The Vipers for the first time in a long time will be short on Junior experience, but they won’t be short on talent. The Vipers will be younger but still very competitive.

Penticton Vees

2009/10 Record (48-8-0-4) 100 points (2nd). Lost to Vernon in Conference Final in six games.

Key Losses: Denver Manderson, Beau Bennett, Alex Szczechura, Sean Bonar, Matt Paltridge

Key Returnees: Derik Johnson, Garrett Milan, Joel Rumpel, Joey LaLeggia, Joey Holka
Welcome Aboard: Brendan O’Donnell, Mark MacMillan, Joey Benik, James Polk, Kyle Beaulieu

Organizational News: David Small is named Director of Hockey Operations. Two Assistants added in alumni defender Michael Hengen and Steve Cawley.

Expectations: This is the most experienced core the Vees have had since they won the Fred Page Cup in 2008. Fans want nothing less than defeating Vernon en route to a BCHL Championship. Tough Crowd.

Westside Warriors

2009/10 Record: (38-18-1-3) 80 points (3rd). Lost to Penticton in Conference Semi-Final in six games.

Key Losses: Joel Woznikoski, Kevin Jebson, Cam Reid, Trevor Bailey, Brendan Ellis
Key Returnees: Alex Grieve, Grayson Downing, Matthew Maher, Kyle Singleton, Tyler Kraus

Welcome Aboard: Tom Kroshus, Kevin Boyle, Brayden Sherbinin, Michael King

Organizational News: The Warriors added Brent Gough as the assistant coach of the club. Gough has played Jr. ‘A’, NCAA and Pro hockey.

Expectations: This Warriors are returning a lot of experience to their roster, but lost much of their top end talent. The Warriors should vie for top spot in the Interior if they can find a capable replacement for Kevin Jebson.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks

2009/10 Record: (29-25-3-3) 64 points (4rd). Lost to Quesnel in Conference Quarter-Finals in six games.

Key Losses: Mark Zengerle, Greg Noyes, Corey Chakeen, Tyler Gubb, Tony Ierfino

Key Returnees: David Killip, Travis Statchuk, Josh Monk, Devin Gannon, Charlie Vasaturo

Welcome Aboard: Kris Moore, Bryce Gervais, Taylor Fauchoux and Cody Michelle,
Morgan Zulinick

Organizational News: New Head Coach Tim Kehler takes over for Rylan Ferster. Dave Erickson is onboard as the new assistant coach.

Expectations: Tough to project this group, with new coach Tim Kehler. D-core will certainly be much improved.

Quesnel Millionaires

2009/10 Record: (22-32-0-6) 50 points (5th). Lost to Vernon in Conference Semi-Final in six games.

Key Losses: Trevor Hertz, Taylor Holst, Joshua Desmarais, Eliot Raibl, Darick Ste-Marie

Key Returnees: Kirby Halcrow, Skyler Smutek, Spencer Graboski, Sam Higgins, Justin Hogan

Welcome Aboard: Sterling Bear, Justin Pereira, Adam Piett, Mike Zgraggen, Cody Slackaruk

Organizational News: Doug Hedley takes over the coaching reigns from Glen Watson (who remains the GM). Hedley was coach of the year in the MJHL last season.

Expectations: After setting a franchise record for post-season wins, the Mills are lost a ton of key veteran players. That said, the successes of the 09/10 season will have helped recruiting.

Trail Smoke Eaters

2009/10 Record: (20-32-1-7) 48 points (6th). Lost to Westside in Conference Quarter-Final in five games.

Key Losses: Nick Sandor, Darnell Dyck, Matt Wilkins, Wade Bennett, Sean Nugent
Key Returnees: Paul Mailey, Travis St. Denis, Scott Jacklin, Graeme Strukoff, Sam Mellor

Welcome Aboard: Cole Gelley, Rijan Sidhu, Colin Bradshaw, Brett Slobodzian, Logan Proulx

Organizational News: Jim Ingram has added BCHL veteran coach Bill Birks as an assistant. And made numerous deals that have added depth and thinned out their overflow of 20-year-olds.

Expectations: This is the year that fans feel the Smokies can contend for home ice in the playoffs. Lots of returning impact players.

Merritt Centennials

2009/10 Record: (22-36-0-2) 46 points (7th). Lost to Penticton in Conference Quarter-Final in four games.

Key Losses: Jordan Soquilla, Derek Hills, Alex Valenti, Colton Sobchak, Matt Mazzarolo,

Key Returnees: Dustin Johnson, Jeff Jones, Steve Tresierra, Alexander MacMillan, Jeff Zmurchyk

Welcome Aboard: Jarrett Anderson, Jakob Reichert, Max Vallis

Organizational News: The Cents are most certainly getting younger after graduating a host of veterans. Luke Pierce has come up with a three-year plan for contention. Chad Deleeuw is the new assistant coach.

Expectations: The Centennials have a few big names returning, but is there enough talent to move towards Luke Pierce’s goal of contention?

Prince George Spruce Kings

2009/10 Record: (18-37-1-4) 41 points (8th). Missed the playoffs

Key Losses: Sam Muchalla, Zac Rasmussen, Brad Bourke, Andrew Walsh, Joe Morgan

Key Returnees: Jeff Earnest, Lyndon Martell, Jesse Scrimbit, Justin Fillion, Nick DeSouza

Welcome Aboard: Riley Spraggs, Faiz Khan, Trevor Esau, Chris Bodo, Ryan Benitez

Organizational News: This is the last year of Eddy Dempsey’s two-year pact with the Spruce Kings. ‘Future Considerations’ from 2009/10 deals will be leaned on.

Expectations: After a fire sale at the trade deadline last season, and missing the playoffs, hopes are high that this team will contend for home ice.