BCHL Interior Conference Team Reports:

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BCHL Interior Conference Team Reports

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

By Ryan Pinder

The 2010/2011 season will have a much different feel from last year’s campaign in BCHL’s Interior Conference. Where last season was known for layers in the standings, parity seems to be the word mentioned most this season
There’s not much separation from first to eighth in the conference. Expect tight races and competitive games right through to the end of the season in February.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks

The Shuswap crew has been the surprise of the conference through the first month. New head coach Tim Kehler has just a single rookie defender on the back end to deal with. Second year defender Charlie Vasaturo and WHL returnee Clinton Atkinson have formed a great duo, and look like the top pairing early. In net Kris Moore who was acquired from Camrose (AJHL) has provided the Silverbacks with solid goaltending and upfront Devin Gannon, David Killip and a host of newcomers have provided scoring in the first season of the post-Mark Zengerle era.

Trail Smoke Eaters

The top line in Trail has been smoking hot to start the season. Travis St. Denis, Sam Mellor, and Scott Jacklin might compose the top line in the conference with their grit, skill, and experience. The trio combined for 38 points in the first seven games for Trail out of the gate. Rajan Sidhu and Steve Koshey have chipped in on the back end, and between the pipes the Smokies have the makings for a great one-two punch with 20-year-old vet Kiefer Smiley and rookie 18-year-old Matt Larose.

Penticton Vees

Patience is being preached in Penticton where a group of rookie forwards will need time to adjust. With top centre Mark MacMillan breaking his wrist on the first game of the year, and forward Joey Holka lost to a lower body injury, the youngsters have been getting lots of ice. The club’s blue line has been bolstered with the addition of Lane Werbowski a 19-year-old free agent from the Edmonton Oil Kings. Joel Rumpel opened the season with a shutout and ‘player of the week’ nod, while back up Billy Faust has been sharp too.

Vernon Vipers

The Vipers have reloaded with a talented younger group than the fans at the Wesbild Center are used to seeing, but the group has been solid if not spectacular out of the gate. Marcus Basara, John Knisley and Mike Zalewski have made early impressions upfront, along side vets David Robinson and Dylan Walchuk. The Vipers Defense has returnees Adam Thompson and Steven Weinstein, and has seen early contributions from Brett Corkey, who played Midget in Calgary last season. Blake Voth has been inconsistent early, but should improve with more ice.

Quesnel

A group reminiscent of last year’s crew – that turned in the franchise’s best finish in team history – has been assembled in Quesnel. Kirby Halcrow is back in the nets for a second season with the Mills with an eye on returning to Team Canada West for the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge. Spencer Graboski is poised for big things in his second BCHL season after a strong 16-year-old showing last year. The Mills aren’t long on talent, but they’re a hard working crew that will provide stiff competition all season.

Westside

The Warriors Kevin Boyle and Cam Gorchynski have turned the Warrior’s biggest question mark into what looks like an organizational strength, as they attempt to fill the crease vacated by Kevin Jebson last season. Both goalies have posted impressive numbers behind a defense core that is big, strong, and a touch nasty. The Warriors just need a touch more offense from their veteran group of forwards to begin their accent of the Interior. With Cam Reid, Trevor Bailey and Cole Wilson gone, it will have to be scoring by committee this year.

Merritt

Recently committed pivot Jeff Jones (Robert Morris) and sniper Dustin Johnson return upfront to lead this younger group. The Cents have 13 rookies this season and their play this season will be a work in progress as new talent adjusts to the league. The Cents have been too easy to score on this season allowing over five goals per game in their first seven matches. Gone are WHL puck stoppers Cole Holowenko and Keith Hamilton who formed the duo last season. Jared Anderson and Tyler Steel are the new men in Merritt.

Prince George

An early collection of injuries has slowed the start of the Spruce Kings this season. The club played an average of two affiliated players per game over the first three weeks. Chris Bodo has looked the part in his first BCHL season, and should be the clubs top weapon upfront. Defender Justin Fillion has been the Spruce Kings most valuable player this season. He’s on the ice in all situations. The Spruce Kings are much improved in net this season. Ryan Benitez is a 20-year-old committed to Princeton and Kirk Thompson looks good for a rookie puck stopper.