Monday, May 18, 2020

BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, twitter accounts, blogs or online. All Vipers news-trades are posted on this blog as soon as released-announced.

BCHL News & Trades:

Morrissey Commits To Cranbrook:

The Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) are happy to announce that they have committed defensemen Bauer Morrissey for the 2020-2021 season. Morrissey played last season at Millbrook School in the USHS Prep league collecting 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points through 32 games. The 18-year-old played two seasons in his hometown of Skaneateles, NY for Skaneateles High before heading to Millbrook this past season. “Bauer is a player that our staff believes can make the jump to become an elite defenseman in the BCHL.” Said Head Coach and General Manager Ryan Donald. “He was an impact player at Millbrook during his Senior season, leading their defensemen in goals and points, and playing in all situations for his team.  We are happy to add him to our roster for the 2020-21 season and look forward to helping him achieve his goals of becoming an NCAA Division 1 defenseman.” The Cranbrook Bucks wish to welcome Bauer to the organization and the City of Cranbrook.

Jefferey Commits To Alberni Valley Bulldogs:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to welcome Adam Jeffrey to the organization. Jeffrey is a 6’4” 200 pound, 2001 born forward from Windsor Ontario who spent the past two season with the Leamington Flyers of the GOJHL.  In 97 career games with the Flyers, Jeffrey posted 34 goals and 58 assists for 92 points.  He was originally a draft pick of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. “Adam a big body who can contribute offensively,” said Joe Martin. “He’s a playmaker who makes players around him better. He’s also a competitor and brings solid leadership credentials as well.” “I couldn’t be more excited to join this organization and be a Bulldogs,” said Jeffrey. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the staff, ownership, and group of guys.  I can’t wait to get things going.” Welcome to the Bulldogs family Adam!

Penticton Vees: Graduating Players And Eligible Returnees:

An extensive roster turnover in Penticton is as regular as the tide. Every year, the Vees are near the top of the BCHL in the standings and college commitments. As a result, a huge amount of players advance to the college ranks each fall. This year is no different as Penticton president, general manager and head coach Fred Harbinson has 15 players off to NCAA Division I schools in September. Among those leaving are the Vees top nine scorers from 2019-20. Forwards Tristan Amonte, Tyler Ho, Darwin Lakoduk and Jack Barnes are all entering their 20-year-old seasons with high expectations. Amonte is the highest scorer of the quartet, with 15 goals and 19 assists in 56 games this past season. Ho ramped it up in the playoffs with five points in five games during Penticton’s first round series against West Kelowna. This came after he averaged only .57 points-per-game during the regular season. Only two skaters are slated to return on the Vees blueline with four-year veteran Ethan Martini and sophomore Carson Hemenway in the mix. Martini won’t provide a lot of points but is solid in the defensive zone. Hemenway only played six games in Penticton after coming over from Alberni Valley in a trade deadline deal. After playing 18 games behind Yaniv Perets, 20-year-old Carl Stankowski is the incumbent in goal. The former Calgary Hitmen and Seattle Thunderbirds netminder went 14-3 for the Vees with a 2.08 goals-against-average and a .915 save percentage during the regular season. The depth chart is based on coaches going with a 23-man roster of 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders.

*All college commitment years are collated from each player’s profile on the Vees roster on the BCHL website.

Graduating Players

Carson Kosobud (Arizona State University)
Conner Hutchison (University of Vermont)
Cade Webber (Boston University)
Yaniv Perets (Quinnipiac University)
Drew Elser (University of Connecticut)
Liam Malmquist (University of Wisconsin)
Jackson Niedermayer (Arizona State University)
Lukas Sillinger (Bemidji State University)
Evan McIntyre (Ohio State University)
Nico Somerville (American International College)
Steve Holtz (University of Michigan)
Danny Weight (Boston College)
Jay O’Brien (Boston University)
Colton Kalezic (Northern Michigan University)
David Silye (Clarkson University)

Eligible Returnees

(* indicates an open spot – assuming the team goes with 13 forwards and eight defencemen)

Forwards

Jack Barnes (00)
Tyler Ho (00)
Tristan Amonte (00)
Darwin Lakoduk (00)
Liam Noble (01)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Defencemen

Ethan Martini (00)
Carson Hemenway (02)
*
*
*
*
*
*

Goaltenders

Carl Stankowski (00)
*

Jackalopes Name Former Express Head Coach Fortier New Head Coach:

The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are thrilled to announce that they have hired Jason Fortier to be the program’s seventh Head Coach in team history and fifth as a member of the NAHL. Fortier joins the Jackalopes as GM of Hockey Operations and Head Coach.  Current General Manager, Rick Matchett, remains with the team as its President. “I am tremendously excited about coaching in the North American Hockey League and particularly for a team with a proud tradition like the Jackalopes,” Fortier said. “We plan to create a culture that will become our identity and put an emphasis on creating the type of on ice product that will bring back the grit and pride to our loyal fans of Odessa, Midland and the entire Permian Basin. The Jackalopes will strive to become leaders in player development, promoting and preparing players for College Hockey and as of today our ultimate goal as a group is to bring a Championship to the Permian Basin.” Fortier, 45, brings 11 years of excellence in the junior hockey coaching ranks. This past season he was the GM and Head Coach of the Coquitlam Express in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).  His team finished 47 wins – 9 losses and won the regular season championship.  During the playoffs, his team went undefeated heading into the Division Finals, until the season was ended due to the coronavirus. Over the past two seasons Coach Fortier has placed 31 of his players into Division 1 College hockey and he was named the BCHL Coach of the Year this past season. Coach Fortier comes to Odessa with an impressive winning record behind the bench and has many Championships and accolades to his resume. He has captured the U-18 National Championship, several Jr. A leagues titles and a championship in the prestigious Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He has 8 Championship rings in total, with 7 coming from coaching and 1 from his playing days. Before joining the coaching ranks, Fortier played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), in Jr. A and then professional hockey in Europe and later for the Wichita Thunder in the Central Hockey League. He also played 4 seasons in the Canadian College Hockey League. The Odessa Jackalopes welcome Coach Fortier to our family and look forward to him bringing his track record of success to our program.

Top 10 Chilliwack Chiefs Goals of 2019-20

Finishing with 192 goals, good for 5th in the BCHL, the Chilliwack Chiefs had an offence that was difficult to contain! Check out why as we count down their top 10 goals from the 2019-20 regular season, presented by Chevrolet.


Krause Commits To Spruce Kings:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are thrilled to announce the commitment of forward Alex Krause (’01) for the 2020/21 season. “We are excited to add Alex Krause  for the 2020/21 season. While he has the ability to make plays offensively , Alex plays an honest and hard working game which is why we believe he has the potential to be an impact player for us” says Head Coach Alex Evin. The 18-year-old Krause spent last season with the The Loomis Chaffee School in the United States High-School Hockey League. Krause had 16 goals and 24 assists, good for 40 points in just 32 games. Krause is also committed to play NCAA Division 1 Hockey at Dartmouth College. “We are looking forward to helping Alex on his path to developing into a college ready player” says Evin. The Spruce Kings would like to welcome Alex and his family to the organization and to the British Columbia Northern Capital!

Nick DeSantis Commits To Nanaimo Clippers:

Nick DeSantis, a US 2002 born forward, from Collegeville, Pennsylvania has committed to play the 2020-2021 season with the Nanaimo Clippers. DeSantis is committed to the Division I program at Miami University (Ohio) for the 2021-2022 season. He ended playing last year in the NAHL for the New Jersey Junior Titans contributing 21 points including 6 goals in 31 games as an underager. He started the year with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. Nick DeSantis has been part of the US development program for three years beginning in 2017-2018. In 2018, he was a 2nd round, 29th overall draft pick in the USHL for the Sioux Falls Stampede. The high draft pick came after DeSantis put up staggering numbers over two years with the Select Hockey Academy midget program. Over the two years in that program, he accumulated 158 points in 101 games including 66 goals. Colin Birkas, Associate Coach for the Clippers, stated, “We are very happy to get this commitment. I have known Nick for some time and am very impressed with his skill set. He’s going to be an important part of our offensive thrust this year. He is a dynamic, gritty, high energy forward who can play right wing or centre. He is incredibly gifted offensively as he has a history of putting up big numbers every step of his career.” Darren Naylor, Head Coach and Vice-President of the Clippers offered, “DeSantis Is a top six forward we are expecting to come right into the BCHL and with his speed and skill set, should contribute immediately. We needed another top six forward to round out our strong roster and Nick is definitely the player we were after.”

Joyce Commits To Warriors:

The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of forward Connor Joyce (‘01) for the 2020-21 season. The Dedham, Massachusetts native tallied 11 goals and 24 assists in  28 games played with St Sebastian’s (USHS Prep). “We are very excited for Connor to join the Warriors family”, said Warriors Head Coach Simon Ferguson. “Connor brings a great 200 ft game who does all the right things on and off the ice”. The 5’11, 170 pound forward had plenty of options on where to play next year, but decided to commit to the Warriors. “I chose the BCHL because I heard several good things about the league and what it has to offer,” stated Joyce. “I chose West Kelowna specifically because I heard great things about the city and the hockey culture there. I have a couple of buddies going out there as well, Jack Cronin and Pat Lawn are a pair of guys I’ve played with for years growing up so that definitely played a role as well.” Joyce is committed to Boston College (NCAA) where former Warriors forward Mike Hardman is currently attending. “I chatted with Mike Hardman and he had nothing but great things to say about West Kelowna. Mike helped me out with my decision indicating his time spent in West Kelowna was the best year of his life.” Joyce has a handful of people to thank. “I would like to thank my teammates and coaches over the years at St. Sebastian’s for helping me develop into the best player I can be. Especially Coach McCann, Doherty and Ronan. Also the Boston Jr. Eagles, they provided me with an awesome opportunity to get better and create special relationships that I will remember for the rest of my life.” The Warriors would like to welcome Connor and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.

Riesterer Commits To Powell River Kings:

The Powell River Kings are looking forward to the addition of 2003 born Ethan Riesterer to their 2020/2021 roster. The 5’9″ Richmond, BC native has spent the last season with Saint George’s School Midget Prep Team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League where he produced a total of 36 points in 35 games. “Ethan is a player who has been around our organization for a year now as an affiliate”, says Head Coach Brock Sawyer, “He showed well in camp last year and in a handful of regular season and post season games. Ethan is an intelligent player who does a lot of good things with and without the puck. His offensive numbers at the prep level were good and we look forward to being a part of his development in Junior A.” Please join us in welcoming Ethan and his family to the Powell River Kings organization.

Kindrachuk Commits To Bucks:

The Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) are happy to announce that they have committed forward Zeth Kindrachuk for the 2020-2021 season. Kindrachuk played last season for the Calgary Royals of the AMHL collecting 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points through 23 games. The 17-year-old from Calgary, AB is also the teammate of already committed defensemen Rhys Bentham. “Zeth is a young man that we are excited to add to our roster for our inaugural season.” Said Head Coach and General Manager Ryan Donald. “He has shown an ability to create offense for himself and his line mates using both speed and skill.  Despite missing 9 games last season he was able to lead his team in even-strength scoring, while contributing in all three zones of the ice. Zeth is a young man we believe will fit our culture well and will be proud to call Cranbrook home.” The Cranbrook Bucks wish to welcome Zeth to the organization and the City of Cranbrook.

MacLeod Commits To West Kelowna:

The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of forward Isaac “Oakley” MacLeod (‘02) for the 2020-21 season. The Caledonia, Ontario native tallied 39 goals and 26 assists in only 35 games played with New Hampton School (USHS Prep). “We are very excited for Isaac to join the Warriors family”, said Warriors Head Coach Simon Ferguson. “Isaac brings a strong hockey IQ and contains the natural ability and skill set to put the puck in the net”. The 5’10, 185 pound forward had plenty of reasons why he chose the Warriors. “I wanted to choose a place where they want to win,” stated MacLeod. “With the history of the organization and the amount of talent staying or being brought in is a great sign for success next year.” Isaac MacLeod goes by his middle name Oakley, or Oak for short. MacLeod is beyond excited to continue his Junior hockey career with his New Hampton line mate Marcus Joughlin. “Joughin and I have a chemistry I haven’t had with another player,” said MacLeod. ” We could truly play in the dark and know where eachother were on the ice at all times. Another year beside Marcus is something I’m really looking forward to and can’t wait to get back on the ice with him.” MacLeod has a handful of people to thank. “It all starts with my parents who help support me through anything. My coach Connor Gorman at New Hampton. Lastly I need to give a huge thanks to Marcus Joughin as without him I would not have had the numbers and success I had in the past two years.” The Warriors would like to welcome Isaac and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.

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