BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, other hockey blogs or online.

BCHL News & Trades:

Alberni Valley-Trail Trade:

On Tuesday September 2nd, the Bulldogs acquired the playing rights to 1996-born forward Quinn Syrydiuk from the Trail Smoke Eaters for future considerations.  Syrydiuk enters his third full season of Junior “A” having spent the previous two with the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. The 6-foot, 170 pound Toronto native comes to the Bulldogs with two straight OJHL Championships under his belt and has appeared in the RBC Cup 2014 in Vernon, BC.  “We are looking forward to working with Quinn,” says Bulldogs head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “We feel that his championship experience and leadership will be a great addition to our locker room.”  The team is also proud to announce the signing of 1999-born forward Cayden Kraus, a 5-foot-10, 160 pound forward who played the previous two seasons with Pursuit of Excellence in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League. Kraus has impressed the Bulldogs coaching staff with his speed, skill, and compete level.  “We feel that Cayden is ready to play at this level and look forward to developing him as a student-athlete and young man for the next few seasons,” says Willison.

Chilliwack Chiefs Name Kawaguchi Captain: 

Abbotsford native Jordan Kawaguchi will lead Chilliwack into the 2015-16 BCHL season, wearing the captain’s C for the Chiefs.  The team’s coaching staff announced the leadership group Wednesday and head coach Jason Tatarnic elaborated on their choices.  “I want guys who understand and communicate how we do things here,” the bench boss noted. “Off-ice workouts. How we practice and do things in the dressing room. I expect our captain and alternates to lead the way and communicate how things are done.”  Kawaguchi isn’t a rah-rah kid.  The third year Chief leads quietly, but Tatarnic said he’s got the respect of his teammates.  “The guys who don’t have to raise their voice are some of your best leaders,” Tatarnic said. “He says what he needs to say, he’s mature for his age and guys respect and look up to him.”  Kawaguchi wore an A last season and Tatarnic saw him evolving throughout the year.  “I thought he was already a mature kid and as the season went on I could see him maturing even more,” Tatarnic said. “I thought he did a great job helping our younger players make adjustments.”  The three alternates are Bennett Morrison, Mark Esposito and Ryan  Bowen.  Morrison’s an interesting case. Acquired from Salmon Arm a third of the way through last season when the injury riddled Chiefs were desperate for D-men, the Ontario native looked like a depth pickup.  But he played a bigger role as the season wore on, becoming one of the team’s most dependable defenders.  Behind closed doors, Tatarnic said the 19 year old was a fiery leader.  “He’s a warrior who battles and you know he’ll give everything he has every time he steps on the ice,” Tatarnic said. “He’s that rah-rah guy who’s well-liked in the room and isn’t afraid to stick up for his teammates.”  Esposito, the younger brother of former Chief scoring star Luke, endured an injury-filled 2014-15 campaign.  The Connecticut kid logged just 29 regular season games, but Tatarnic saw enough to give him an A.  “The thing that was impressive with Mark is he was always positive about it,” Tatarnic said. “He came in, did the work and put the team ahead of himself. Right there, that’s a light that goes on for the coaching staff.”  “Another part of it is he’s from Connecticut and knows all the kids we added from that area,” the coach continued. “They know him and look up to him and he provides that connection.”  Tatarnic always throws a young kid into the captaincy mix, and this year it’s Chilliwack’s own Bowen.  The Bowen clan has told Tatarnic Ryan won’t be going to training camp with the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors.  He’s all-in with the Chiefs this season.  “Every year I’ll have a young player as an assistant, because I think it’s important that young guys like (Darren) Rizzolo, (Jesse) Lansdell and (Kohen) Olischefski have a guy they can look up to and lean on,” Tatarnic said. “They can’t get lost because they’re your foundation. They need someone they can talk to and relate to.”  The common thread with the four choices is they were all here last year.  “I thought it was important to have guys who understand how far we went last year,” Tatarnic said. “We were happy with what we achieved but I think there was some bitterness too, and the guys who experienced that bitterness, if we get that far again they’ll know what it takes to get to the next level.”

Smoke Eaters Sign Howarth:

The Trail Smoke Eaters are pleased to announce the signing of Forward Kale Howarth (97) for the 2015-16 season.  Kale played last season with the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs (11-18-5) of the Alberta AAA Midget Hockey League, where he scored 5 goals and had 11 points and 48 PIM in 33 games.

Vees Sign Burgart:

The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the signing of forward Desi Burgart (98) ahead of the 2015-16 season.  Burgart, who doesn’t turn 17 until the end of the month, impressed Vees brass at the team’s Main Camp and in the pre-season games last week.  The Vancouver, BC, product played in the BC Major Midget League (BCMML) last year with the NW Giants, picking up 15 goals and 25 points in 38 games. Despite his age, Burgart brings a nice blend of size and skill to the Vees’ line-up, as he’s listed at 6’1 and 180 pounds.  Despite playing his minor hockey in the Lower Mainland, Burgart has strong family ties to Penticton. Both his father and mother grew up in Penticton and he still has family living in the Peach City.   Burgart will wear number nine and will make his BCHL debut in the Vees’ season opener on Friday night in Salmon Arm.  Also, the Vees organization was thrilled with the success in the first year of their four-year ticketing partnership with Peter’s Bros Construction. Last year, it was announced that Students (18 and under) and children would be free at every Vees home game over the next four years, courtesy of Peter’s Bros Construction.  Vees’ President, General Manager and Head Coach, Fred Harbinson, is excited about the response from the community, “We were thrilled about the success of the partnership last season with Peter’s Brothers as student and children attendance tripled last season. Alongside Peter’s Bros Construction, we look forward to continuing to provide a safe and affordable entertainment option for youth in our city.”  Peter’s Bros Construction is a privately owned and operated premier paving contractor in the Okanagan with its head office located in Penticton. While based in the Okanagan, Peter’s Bros Construction performs its quality work throughout the entire province of British Columbia and has been recognized by the Ministry of Highways with the first place award of Excellence in Paving. Peter’s Bros Construction has been a great community partner in Penticton, as they’re a major sponsor of the Peach Festival amongst other community initiatives.

Rivermen Name Schneider Captain:

The Langley Rivermen are days away from opening their 2015-16 BC Hockey League campaign and they have now named their leadership group for the new season. Leading the team as captain will be second year defenceman Jordan Schneider (1995 born). His assistants will be Matthew Graham (1995 born), Will Campion (1995 born) and Ben Butcher (1995 born). The group are all entering their final season in the BCHL and it will mark the first time in team history that the entire leadership group has been made up of twenty year olds.  “We felt that this was a solid group to lead our team made up of guys who know the league and can not only provide a good example for how to win but also help the new players transition into the league,” Head Coach and General Manager Bobby Henderson said the players made the decision easy after a strong training camp and pre-season.  Schneider is a towering defenseman (standing 6’5”) from Toronto who is committed to Clarkson for next season and will be counted on to provide a steady, physical presence on the back end. Will Campion, from Seaford, New York, is poised for a break out season after posting 30 points in his rookie season. Butcher is in his second stint with the team and is in his fourth season in the BCHL. Graham, from Bedford, Nova Scotia, had a strong pre-season and will likely carry a big load offensively for the team this season after a strong rookie campaign.  The new captain was complimentary of the three assistants, “They are all well respected leaders in the dressing room and have eased new players into our culture. They are excellent role models and will help hold the group accountable throughout the season.”  The Rivermen kick off their season this Friday in Surrey before they come home to the Langley Events Centre on Saturday, September 19 for their home opener.

Nanaimo Clippers Name Brosseau Captain:

The Nanaimo Clippers announce that Forward, Devin Brosseau, will wear the Captain's "C" for the 2015-2016 season.  Assistant Captains are Corey Renwick, Edwin Hookenson, and Kale Bennett. 

Grizzlies Name Conlon Captain:

A year ago, P.J. Conlon came to Victoria just hoping to make the squad.  Now, the calendar flipped 12 months ahead, the product of Goderich, Ont., is the captain of the BCHL's Victoria Grizzlies.  The 20-year-old forward was named team captain this week by Head Coach/GM Craig Didmon, whose team is preparing to open the BCHL season Friday on the road against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Grizzlies will play five games away from the Q Centre before the home opener on October 1 against the Coquitlam Express.  "P.J. is a leader on and off the ice, and the good thing about this team is the coaching staff knows he's not the only leader we have, so he will have support from the entire lineup," said Didmon. "We don't have just one guy we'll look to, as a coaching staff, to take us where we want to go. Our older players didn't have to be told that we're expecting them to show our younger guys what it takes to be successful in the BCHL."  Conlon, a 6-0/180-pound centre who can play in all situations, was durable in playing 57 games as a BCHL rookie, scoring six times and adding 13 assists for 19 points. The accomplished tennis player and golfer wears the number 12 on his back. He is a product of the Upper Canada College prep program, where he was the captain before moving to the Grizzlies.  Four players will rotate wearing the three assistant captain 'A's on their left chest. Forwards Brayden Gelsinger and Cole Pickup, and defencemen Kevin Massy and Cody Van Lierop, have been given the extra responsibility.  CAPTAIN -- P.J. Conlon ASSISTANT CAPTAINS -- Brayden Gelsinger, Kevin Massy, Cole Pickup, Cody Van Lierop  "Brayden brings experience from the WHL and is a proven point-producer in the BCHL, and Cole has a way about him that leads other players. Kevin and Cody are important parts of our defence crew and have a lot of experience to share with the younger players on the team."  Gelsinger, a 20-year-old from Regina, spent his early junior hockey years with the Kamloops Blazers, and has 94 points over two seasons in the BCHL (Cowichan Valley, West Kelowna). Pickup, from Victoria, is entering his fourth season as a Grizzlies player and is coming off back-to-back 21-point seasons.  Massy, another Victoria product, was the playoff MVP for the Grizzlies last spring, and the 6-3/205-pound defenceman is going into his third season after posting 22 points as a rookie and following up with 33 points, including nine goals, in 2014-15.
Van Lierop, from Sutton West, Ont., is a rugged 19-year-old who played 54 games last season with four goals and eight points, along with 45 penalty minutes.

Capitals Name Osczevski Captain:

The Cowichan Capitals have named Adam Osczevski as the team's Captain for the 2015-16 season.  Arriving in the Cowichan Valley via trade early last season from the West Kelowna Warriors, Osczevski had an immediate positive impact on the team and quickly assumed a leadership role.  "Adam is what you want the Capitals identity to be all about," said Head Coach and General Manager Bob Beatty.  "He is a spirited, hard working player that plays both ends of the ice with intensity and passion.  He has the courage to block a shot, take and give a hit, or stick up for his teammates.  Most importantly, he will stand up for what he believes in and not only challenge his teammates and coaches to be better, but hold himself accountable to the highest standard."  Entering his third year in the BCHL and second with the Capitals, the 19 year-old from Martensville, Saskatchewan is coming off a solid sophomore season that saw him post 13 goals and 11 assists along with 26 penalty minutes in 54 games.  "I try to hold guys accountable and I try to hold myself as accountable as possible," said Osczevksi.  It's a season full of anticipation and excitement for Capitals fans and the team itself with expectations being raised.  "I can hopefully help guys get better and be a good leader.  We're getting ready for a good season, we're going to get a lot of wins this year and we're going to work our tails off to get there."

Vees Name Jost Captain:

The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club has rounded out its leadership group for the 2015-16 season. The team has named defenseman Colton Poolman (95) and forward Scott Conway (95) Assistant Captains.  20-year-olds Conway and Poolman join Captain Tyson Jost and fellow Assistant Captain Dante Fabbro as the Vees’ leadership group.  “Colton and Scott are experienced, veteran players who’ve taken on a natural leadership role within the dressing room. Their poise and maturity will be beneficial for our younger players and they’ll be a great complement to Tyson and Dante,” stated President, General Manager and Head Coach, Fred Harbinson.  Poolman is finishing out his junior career in Penticton, after parts of two seasons with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Poolman had 10 points in 46 games this past season in Fargo but is known for his play away from the puck and will be a key piece to the Vees blue-line. Poolman has championship experience under his belt, as he won the 1A Minnesota State High School Hockey Championship in 2014 with East Grand Forks. The rear-guard comes from a hockey family, as his older brother Tucker, a Winnipeg Jets draft pick, is a sophomore defenseman at North Dakota and his father Mark is UND’s Strength and Conditioning Coach. Colton will be joining his brother and dad at UND next season.  Like Poolman, Conway has a wealth of experience at various levels, including playing NCAA Division l hockey at Penn State University last year. Conway was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie team a season ago and won a USHL Clark Cup championship with the Indiana Ice two seasons ago. Conway led the Ice in scoring that year, notching 33 goals and 68 points in 57 regular season games. He also was named to the USHL First All-Star team and represented the Ice in the annual USHL All-Star game.  Scott also comes from strong hockey bloodlines, as his father Kevin played in the British Elite Ice Hockey League and was inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.  The new leadership group leads the Vees into their regular season opener tomorrow, Friday, September 11th, on the road against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Vees London Drugs Home Opener is Wednesday, September 16th, at the SOEC when the Vees host the Vernon Vipers. Tickets are just $5 and beer is only $3.75 on the first “Wicked Wednesday,” of the season. Tickets can be purchased at the Valley First box office (at the SOEC).

Silverbacks Name Middleton Captain:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are please to announce the 2015-2016 leadership group for this season.

Captain: Phil Middleton, Vail, Colorado
Asst: Carson Bolduc, Salmon Arm, British Columbia
Asst: Colton Thibault, Vernon, British Columbia
Asst: Taro Hirose, Calgary, Alberta

"We are proud of these 4 young men who have been selected to lead our group this year. All 4 exemplify what a Salmon Arm Silverback is, we want competitive people with great attitudes. Phil, Carson, Colton and Taro have great leadership skills and we look forward to watching them grow as leaders and men". stated Head Coach Brandon West.  The regular season kicks off this Friday night at the Shaw Centre as we take on the Penticton Vees at 7 PM. Tickets on sale now...

Wild Name Coyne Captain:


The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Mike Coyne has been elected team captain, as the team prepares for its first season in the BCHL.  In two prior seasons with the Wild, Coyne has played in 116 games, with 14 goals, 38 assists and 118 minutes in penalties. He’s 20 years old, is 6'1", 185 and returns to the Wild from New York State. "It is an honor to be named captain of the Wenatchee Wild." said Coyne. "I want to thank my coaches and players for this opportunity. We have a great group of guys this year and I'm excited to see how much we accomplish."  Wenatchee Wild Head Coach/General Manager Bliss Littler had this to say about Coyne: "Mike Coyne has been selected as this year’s captain of the Wenatchee Wild as voted on by the players. This will be Coyne’s second year as the Wilds captain.  He learned many lessons about leadership while captaining the youngest team in the NAHL.  That experience will pay dividends this year for a more experienced Wild team. Michael is definitely a servant leader.  I think our players did a good job of selecting our leader."