I found these press releases off team websites, other hockey blogs or online.
BCHL News & Trades:
Drabin Commits To Wenatchee:
The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Joe Drabin has committed, as the team prepares for its first season in the BCHL. Drabin, a 20-year old, right-handed shooting forward from Rochester, New York, stands 6’1” and weighs 190lbs. He spent the past two seasons with Johnstown of the North American Hockey league, with 20 goals, 42 assists and 153 penalty minutes in 113 games. He’s also seen time with Youngstown of the United States Hockey League. “Joe will bring a veteran presence that plays the game hard and is a hard player to play against.” says Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler. “Joe brings a nice amount of offense with game.” “I couldn’t be more excited to be playing in Wenatchee this upcoming season.” said Drabin. It’s a beautiful place to live, great coaching staff, great fans and just overall a high class organization.” The Wenatchee Wild open the BCHL regular season with a pair of games at the Prince George Spruce Kings on September 11th and 12th.
Adamsen Commits To Surrey Eagles:
The newest Surrey Eagles commitment will be suiting up for his birth country, Denmark, for the 2015/16 U-20 World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Ludvig Adamsen, 18, a 6’3” left-handed, smooth-skating defenseman, will be a perfect fit for the Olympic sheet of ice at South Surrey Arena. Eagles Head Coach Blaine Neufeld saw the newest acquisition as a unique one. “It was definitely a change from our typical recruiting. Dealing with massive time zone changes, while speaking with his father, Billy, about the opportunity here in Surrey, was something to get used to.” The Danish native, with Canadian background, has been living in British Columbia for the past number of years. He is a player who has benefited from a late development and is now one of the most improved players in the Denmark National program. The U-20 Denmark Head Coach, Olaf Eller, father to Lars Eller of the Montreal Canadians, agreed, “We got to see Ludvig go through the ranks in the Denmark programs, but moving to Canada and getting to play Junior hockey has given him a massive improvement, mostly in his hockey awareness and confidence in his decision making.” So how did the Surrey Eagles find out about one of Denmark’s next World Junior defensemen? Through hockey networks and a former Denmark Coach now currently Victoria Royals assistant coach, Enio Sacilotto, who pointed the Eagles in the right direction. “Enio was a big factor in bringing Ludvig over to us and we appreciate the help he offered,” added Neufeld. Olaf Eller best described Ludvig as ‘a player that uses his size to benefit his physical play’ adding, “His skating continues to get better and better for a young, big man. His decision making is as good as some of the professionals here, but his best attributes are his work ethic and ability to be a great teammate.” All comforting things for Eagles Head Coach Blaine Neufeld to hear. Neufeld explained, “We got to watch a lot of video from his past season and his current training to see his progression. We are very excited to see how much he has improved and we anticipate that same acceleration in improvement when he starts to work with our D-Coach Gary Nylund.” Olaf continued talking about the Denmark program and the great progress it has been making saying, “We are not team Canada, nor do we need to be. We have been very excited about the progress our players have been making in our program. Typically we will take players from the CHL, if they are playing in Canada, but Ludvig is targeting to go the NCAA route. I think he might start a trend.” Ludvig and his Eagle’s teammates will take to the ice August 28 at 8pm for their first exhibition game at South Surrey Arena against the Chilliwack Chiefs. But before then, Ludvig and his National Team teammates find themselves in a World Junior Pre-Series with Finland July 27-31. The World Junior Tournament will be from Dec 26 to January 5. Neufeld commented, “The Eagles will be missing Adamsen at that point in the season, but we’re all about development and advancement of our players. It is such a great experience and honor for any player to play on a National Team at that level, so we’re proud to have him as a Surrey Eagle.”
Penticton Vees Sign Brodeur:
The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club is proud to announce that 1995 born goaltender Anthony Brodeur has joined the club for the 2015-2016 season. Brodeur was a 7th round pick of the New Jersey Devils in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He joins the Vees after 2 seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Drummondville and Gatineau. Previously Brodeur won a U-18 national championship with the powerhouse Shattuck St. Mary’s program. The Brodeur bloodlines run deep in the hockey world, as his father Martin had a hall of fame worthy career with the New Jersey Devils, and Anthony’s grandfather, Denis, won an Olympic gold medal for Canada. The Vees expect Brodeur will continue the organization’s long line of goaltending success with the likes of recent standouts Joel Rumpel (AHL), Sean Bonar (ECHL), Mike Garteig (NCAA), Oliver Mantha (NCAA), Chad Katunar (NCAA), and Alex Evin (NCAA). The opening for Brodeur, who is coming off a tremendous development camp with the Devils, was made possible when Hunter Miska left the club earlier in the week. “While we were disappointed by Hunter’s decision to leave us so late in the off-season, I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason,” said Vees President, general manager, and head coach, Fred Harbinson. “We received a ton of calls from people around the hockey world, including USHL goalies ready to make the jump to us. We are very excited that Anthony chose to finish his junior career as a Vee.” “We believe Anthony and returning goaltender Brendan Barry will provide us with a tremendous tandem for the upcoming season,” said Harbinson. “Barry returns after helping the Vees win the Wally Forslund Memorial Trophy as the BCHL’s best goaltending duo, which we have now won three consecutive years.” “We are very excited for the season to begin, as we feel we have a championship caliber line-up,” concluded Harbinson. Brodeur and the Vees open training camp on Monday, August 24th, at the SOEC.
Mackie Commits To Wild:
The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Gage Mackie has committed, as the team prepares for its first season in the BCHL. Mackie is an 18-year old, left-handed shooter from Anchorage, Alaska, who played last season Shattuck St. Mary’s. In 40 games last season, the 6’3, 205lb forward had 5 goals and 20 assists. Mackie is committed to attend Arizona State University. “Gage is a big kid that skates well.” says Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler. “He has a nose for the net. From the top of the circles down Gage is very dangerous.” “I couldn’t be more excited to get to Wenatchee and get the season started.” said Mackie. “From all the great things I’ve heard about the fans, Coach Littler and the Wenatchee community as a whole, I don’t think there is a better place to play junior hockey.”
Cooper Commits To Prince George:
The Prince George Spruce Kings are excited to announce the commitment of 18 year old defenseman Cooper Prechel to the team for the 2015/2016 season. The 6’0” 180lb Prechel is from Penticton, B.C. and played last season for the Princeton Posse of The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL). Last season Cooper Prechel tallied 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points plus 18 penalty minutes in 23 games played for the Posse. “Cooper is a very solid player who plays a very good all-around game. He competes very hard, skates well, manages the puck well and can contribute in both ends of the ice. With the recent departure of Cole McCaskill to college hockey an opening on our backend was created and Cooper was someone that was very intriguing for me and the coaching staff. He will play a big part in our team for the next few seasons” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. Cooper will join the rest of his Spruce Kings team mates in mid August as they prepare for the team’s main training camp which will begin August 24th.
Burchill Commits To Wild:
The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Matt Burchill has committed, as the team prepares for its first season in the BCHL. Burchill is a 19-year old, right-handed shooting defenseman from Boston, Massachusetts, who played the last two seasons for the USPHL’s Bay State Breakers. In 97 games over those two seasons, the 5’10, 170lb Burchill had 5 goals, 36 assists and 62 penalty minutes. Burchill is committed to attend the Air Force Academy. “We like Matt’s game.” says Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler. “He is a puck mover that defends well. I think we will see some offense in his game.” “I’m really looking forward to moving out to Wenatchee and playing for the Wild.” said Burchill. “Being my first time out West, I love the area and everything Wenatchee has to offer. A lot different than it is back home in Boston but moving for the first time I wouldn’t want it to be anywhere else. The talk amongst players is that Wenatchee is the place to play and I’m really looking forward to all Coach Bliss and the rest of the coaching staff have to offer. Hopefully I can help the program and represent the Wild.”
Bulldogs Announce Training Camp-New Recruits:
As the Alberni Valley Bulldogs prepare to open the 2015/16 main camp on Monday, August 24th, the team announces three additional players that have been committed to for the coming season. Forward Liam Conrad is from Sackville, NB, and was an all-star forward in 2014/15 with the Moncton Major Midget Flyers. Conrad was the leading scorer in the New Brunswick/PEI Major Midget Hockey League (NBPEIMMHL) registering 52 points (23 goals, 29 assists) in 35 regular season games. Conrad followed that up with 10 points in 10 playoff games. His performance earned Conrad a selection to the NBPEIMMHL 1st All-Star Team and an Esso Scholarship Award. Conrad was also drafted 1st overall in the 2013/14 MHL entry draft. Conrad played three junior A games as an affiliate with the Dieppe Commandos this past season. Also joining Conrad from the Moncton Major Midget Flyers is 1997-born defenseman Nolan Alward. Alward, from Havelock, NB, led all NBPEIMMHL defensemen in scoring in 2014/15 with 34 points (19 goals, 15 assists) in 34 regular season games and added another 15 points in 10 playoff games. Alward was also selected to the NBPEIMMHL 1st All-Star Team and followed that up with being named the league’s MVP and received the Luc Bourdon Award as the league’s Top Defenseman. Also joining the Bulldogs this season is 1997-born defenseman Nathan Walker from Calgary, AB. Walker played the 2014/15 season with the Calgary Buffaloes Midget AAA team. Walker is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman who put up 10 points in 34 regular season games this season. Walker suited up for three games as an affiliate over the last two seasons in the AJHL, with the Calgary Mustangs and Grande Prairie Storm.
Murray Commits To Wenatchee Wild:
The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Aaron Murray has committed, as the team prepares for its first season in the BCHL. Murray is a 19-year old, left-handed shooting defenseman from Chino, California, standing 6’2” and weighing 170lbs. He split last season between Anaheim U-18 in the NAPHL and Johnstown in the NAHL. “Aaron is a big, smooth skating kid that should be a top-four defenseman for us.” says Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler. “I like his skill set and his ability to get up the ice.” “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Wild organization.” said Murray. “Everything from the city, coaching staff and fans seems top notch. There’s nowhere else I’d rather start off my junior hockey career.”
Brubacher Commits To Spruce Kings:
The Prince George Spruce Kings are excited to announce the commitment of 19 year old defenseman Adam Brubacher to the team for the 2015/2016 season. Adam Brubacher is a 1995 born player who hails from Elmira, Ontario. The 6’4” 205lb defenseman has played for his hometown Elmira Sugar Kings of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) for the past three seasons. Last season he tallied 12 goals and 33 assists for 45 points while patrolling the blue line for the Sugar Kings. “Adam is a big, strong veteran defenseman who is very good in both ends of the ice. He will provide a lot of stability on the back end for us and will fit in well with an already strong group of returning defenseman. We’re fortunate because it’s not often that you can add a veteran defenseman with a combination of size, strength and a tremendous offensive upside. Adam is also a terrific young man who will fit in well with the core values of our organization” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. Adam will join the rest of his Spruce Kings team mates in the middle of August as they prepare for the team’s main training camp which will begin August 24th.
Jaske Commits To Wenatchee:
The Wenatchee Wild, preparing for their first season as members of the British Columbia Hockey League, are pleased to announce the commitment of Konsta Jaske to the team. Jaske, from Sammamish, Washington, is 16 years old, 5’10” and 165lbs and is a left-handed shooting defenseman. Jaske played last season for Detroit’s Honeybaked 16-under team, whom he helped lead to a second place finish at nationals. He also saw time with Sioux City of the United States Hockey League. Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler said of Jaske: “Konsta is a young, skilled defenseman that we are very excited about. We expect Konsta to play in all situations.” On the prospect of joining the Wild, Jaske said “I was thrilled to hear that Coach Littler would want me on his roster this year and I think we can make a strong debut in the BCHL this year. I look forward to learning from the veteran players as I make the transition from youth to junior hockey.” The Wild will open the regular season September 11th and 12th, with a pair of road games against the Prince George Spruce Kings. The team’s first home game at the Town Toyota Center will be Saturday, October 10th, against the Coquitlam Express.
Logan Commits To Prince George:
The Prince George Spruce Kings are excited to announce the commitment of 19 year old forward Connor Logan to the team for the 2015/2016 season. The 6’0” 175lb Logan is from Victoria, B.C. and played last season for the Cyclone Taylor Cup and Keystone Cup championship team, The Campbell River Storm of The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL). The Cyclone Taylor Cup is awarded to the British Columbia Junior B champion and the Keystone Cup is awarded at the Western Canadian Junior B Championships. Last season Connor Logan tallied 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points in 40 games played split between The Peninsula Panthers and The Campbell River Storm after an early season trade to Campbell River. In 2013/2014 with Peninsula Connor tallied 28 goals and 47 assists for 75 points in 48 games played. “Connor is a gifted offensive player who prides himself on hard work. His skills and work ethic will allow him to transition well into our league. He’s also a top notch individual who will fit in well with our group. It’s a good thing anytime you can add a player with Connor’s attributes to your lineup” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. Connor will join the rest of his Spruce Kings team mates in mid August as they prepare for the team’s main training camp which will begin August 24th.
Puricelli Commits To Wentahcee Wild:
The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Brandon Puricelli has committed, as the team prepares for its first season in the BCHL. Puricelli is a right-handed shooting forward from Ellisville, Missouri, standing 5’10” and weighing 175lbs. The 17 year-old played last season with the Victory Honda U-16s, with 23 goals and 26 assists in 37 games. About Puricelli, Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler said: “Brandon has outstanding wheels and plays with very good hockey sense. As one of our younger players, look for Brandon to make big strides this year.” “I heard how great the Wenatchee fans support the team.” said Drabin. “I’m looking forward to my first junior hockey season playing in front of these great fans with my new team and bringing home a winner.”
Bell Commits To Wild:
The Wenatchee Wild, preparing for their first season as members of the British Columbia Hockey League, are pleased to announce the commitment of Josh Bell to the team. Bell, from Fenton, Missouri, is 18 years old, 5’11” and 183lbs and is a right-handed shooting forward. He played last season for the St. Louis Jr. Blues, appearing in 30 games, with 14 goals and 14 assists. In 4 playoff games, Bell had 3 goals and 3 assists. Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler says of Bell: “Look for Josh to come in and make an impact. Josh skates very well and has a great skill set.” “I’m extremely excited to be joining the Wenatchee Wild organization this coming season.” said Bell. “The coaching staff, community and fans are top of the line. I’m looking forward to playing hockey in a great place like Wenatchee.” The Wild will open the regular season September 11th and 12th, with a pair of road games against the Prince George Spruce Kings. The team’s first home game at the Town Toyota Center will be Saturday, October 10th, against the Coquitlam Express.
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