BCHL Interior Conference Team Reports:

This is in this week's BC Hockey Newspaper:

BCHL Interior Conference Team Reports

By Ryan Pinder /

With five teams still in the hunt for the Interior Bye, 2011 will bring some huge Conference games, and one heck of a playoff race.

Vernon Vipers

The Vipers are rounding into form after the acquisition of 19-year-old goalie Kirby Halcrow from the Quesnel Millionaires for 17-year-old back-up Bryton Udy and spare part D – Elliot Richardson (‘91). The trade has made an impact with the team, which scooped up seven of a possible eight points on a December island road trip, that saw the Vipers stretch their run of play without a regulation loss to eleven games. The Vipers have needed overtime thirteen times in their first 37 games.

Penticton Vees

The Vees have added another player from the Ontario Hockey League. After adding D - Paul Bezzo (‘90) in November, 19-year-old forward Myles McCauley – a former line-mate of Bruins C Tyler Seguin – has arrived in Penticton after getting released by the struggling Peterborough Petes. McCauley has produced early results with drafted linemates Mark MacMillan and Brendan O’Donnell, scoring four times in his first three games. The Vees saw 3,173 fans attend their Christmas Charity Classic game that raised $34,500 for charity.

Salmon Arm Silverbacks

The ‘Backs have added 20-year-old Kevin Mills from the Calgary Canucks in exchange for a package that included defender Justin Krabben (‘91). A hunch of Tim Kehler saw Josh Manson (‘91) moved back to the blue-line, where he has looked brilliant. The odd man on a deep blue-line appears to be 16-year-old Dustin Cave who has been spending time on the wing. Goalie Kris Moore (‘90) has returned from a broken hand and continues to earn MVP praise with his solid play.

Trail Smoke Eaters

D - Jake Baker (‘91) has finally returned from an injury providing muscle and grit for the Smokies blueline. The club has the best home record in the BCHL with Cominco Arena proving a difficult place for opponents to visit. Forwards Erik Cooper (‘91), Cullen Bradshaw (‘90), and Ryan Aynsley (‘90) have formed a strong complimentary unit to the ‘big line.’ Aynsley has been added to a full time card after dominating as an affiliate player – he is averaging over a point-and-a-half per contest.

Westside Warriors

Head Coach and GM Darren Yopyk had some pointed comments for his team in the media after a home loss to the Merritt Centennials in December, which was promptly followed by a loss in Merritt the following night. His club isn’t exactly a model of consistency, as the team beat Penticton twice in the span of a week, but has lost to Merritt four times in four games, this season. Michael King has committed to Colorado College; he is oozing with potential but plays much smaller than his 6-5, 200-pound frame.

Merritt Centennials

20-year-old forward Blaine Bokenfohr has been added from the Dawson Creek Rage (NAHL) and has given the Centennials another dependable, hard-working forward. Bokenfohr and team captain D - Steve Tresierra are the lone 20-year-old players while the rest of the roster is comprised of 17-, 18-, and 19-year-olds, which bodes well for the future. The Centennials would love a match-up with the Westside Warriors in the Interior Conference playoffs. The Cents have won all four engagements with the Warriors.

Quesnel Millionaires

The Millionaires made a flurry of deals prior to the Dec. 1 card cut down. The club has been transformed from an older group, into one of the youngest teams in the BCHL. Gone are franchise netminder Kirby Halcrow (‘91), 20-year olds D - Sam Higgins and F - Sterling Bear, and other parts not interested in the lack of success in the Gold Pan City. Quesnel has just a single win in 19 road games; they’re also the lowest scoring team in the BCHL.

Prince George Spruce Kings

Dave Dupas earned his first win since replacing Ed Dempsey when the Spruce Kings beat the hapless Quesnel Millionaires in Prince George. The win snapped a nine-game skid and moved the Spruce Kings within four points of the Mills in the battle of basement dwellers that will see just one team make the playoffs. The Spruce Kings surrender nearly five goals per game. F – RJay Berra (‘90) has proved his worth with 28 goals and 47 points in 38 Games.