Interior Conference Wrap:

This is in the BC Hockey Now Newspaper:

Interior Conference Wrap

By / Ryan Pinder

With the World Junior A Challenge now finished in Penticton, the Interior Conference teams will see seven of the best BCHLers return to their club teams.

While pundits and scouts will sift through the ashes of a disappointing fourth place finish for Team Canada West that saw the first time in the five-year event that they weren’t in the gold medal game, players will be happy to return their attention to a tight Interior Conference approaching the mid-way mark on the schedule.

Trail Smoke Eaters

Forwards Sam Mellor (‘92) and Travis St. Denis (‘92) have been garnering lots of press for their selection to Team Canada West, but 20-year-old Scott Jacklin recorded ten points in the six games without his wingers, and has produced no matter who he plays with. Cullen Bradshaw (‘90) also put up ten points with Mellor and St. Denis gone, and was named the BCHL Player of the Week on November 15th. Mellor and St. Denis combined for just 3 points over the five games played at the WJAC.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Kudos to the ‘Backs for beating their most hated rivals from Vernon in a home-and-home series during the WJAC. While, Dylan Walchuk was out for Vernon, the Silverbacks impressively erased a 3-1 deficit in the third period at home to complete the feat. F - Mike Krgovich (‘90) did not report to Salmon Arm after being dealt from Surrey for D – Josh Monk (‘92). Head Coach and GM Tim Kehler moved his rights to Coquitlam for D - Paul DeJersey (’92) and F - Justin Elliott (‘92).

Penticton Vees

The Vees have fallen back from the lead of the Interior due to playing just twice over the first two weeks of November. With the WJAC hosted at the SOEC and the annual pillaging of their roster for players, Fred Harbinson scheduled just two road affairs. This year three Vees made Team Canada West. Over the tournament OHL defender Paul Bezzo (‘90) was added, and F - Mike Betz (‘92) was acquired from Trail. F - Jake Charles (‘92) was moved to Coquitlam.

Vernon Vipers

The Vipers find themselves in unfamiliar territory: Not in top spot. Without leading scorer Dylan Walchuk (‘92), the Vipers earned just three of a possible eight points over the WJAC. Walchuk was arguably Canada West’s best player in the tournament, and his presence was missed in Vernon’s line-up. Despite the recent mediocrity, the Vipers are in the thick of a great battle for the bye with their strong commitment to defense. Shocking to see more loses than wins (including overtime) for the Snakes in Vernon this year.

Westside Warriors

The Westside Warriors appeared to have figured out their goaltending dilemma. Or have they? Cam Gorchynski (‘92) has been moved to Victoria, while Kevin Boyle (‘90) is the lone net-minder left on the roster; for now. Expect the Warriors to hunt down another veteran of the BCHL to push incumbent Kevin Boyle (‘90) for playing time, or perhaps supplant him as the starter. G - Cole Holowenko (‘93) has been added to the Westside roster. Where he fits in regarding playing time and priority as compared to Kevin Boyle remains to be seen.

Merritt Centennials

The Centennials have been tough at the Nicola Valley Arena this season earning at least a point in eight of their first dozen home games. Merritt’s defensive play has improved measurably. From October 23rd to November 16th – a stretch of nine games - the club hasn’t allowed more than three goals against. New G - Lino Chimienti (‘90) has been a big reason why. Bigger crowds, a new standard of professionalism, and more success on the ice has Luke Pierce’s Centennials riding high.

Prince George Spruce Kings

After a nice run of four straight wins around Halloween, the Spruce Kings reverted to their losing ways by dropping their next four games; allowing 19 goals over the stretch. Halfway through their home schedule, PG has just four wins in a building that used to be much harder on road weary opponents. 20-year-old defender Justin Fillion is having a great season with the Spruce Kings averaging a point a game, while seeing more ice-time than a Zamboni each night.

Quesnel Millionaires

The scoring woes for Quesnel refuse to go away. Through the Millionaires first 24 games of the season they have just one game where they have scored four goals in regulation. The club is last in goals scored in the BCHL - averaging a dreadful two tallies per game. Quesnel’s putrid power play has scored on the man advantage just six times in 107 attempts far and away the worst in the BCHL. Just one win in eleven road games haven’t helped matters either.