BCHL News & Trades:
Bulldogs Sign Sarault:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have added 1997-born forward Chris Sarault. Sarault, from Moncton, NB, was drafted in the 8th round, 131st overall, in the 2013 QMJHL draft by the Saint John Sea Dogs. Most recently, Sarault won the NBPEIMMHL championship with the 2014/15 Moncton Flyers Midget AAA team where he scored 10 goals and added 13 assists in 20 regular season games. Sarault added another 11 goals and 8 assists in 10 playoff games. As a 17 year old, he also appeared in 9 games with the Woodstock Slammers posting 2 goals and 2 assists. Sarault is the son of former NHLer Yves Sarault. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to welcome Chris to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs family.
Langley-Salmon Arm Trade:
The Langley Rivermen have completed a trade with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to acquire forward Logan Mick (1996 born) in exchange for forward Chase Zieky (1996 born). Mick, a native of Vernon, BC is entering his fourth British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) season, but did not suit up with Salmon Arm this year. In 2014-15 with the Silverbacks, he recorded 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) and 33 penalty minutes. In a career total of 127 BCHL games, the 5 foot 11, 175 pound forward has registered 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) and 96 penalty minutes. Mick is committed to Quinnipiac University for 2016-17 “Logan is an experienced player that brings a bit of everything to our line-up. He is a two-way forward that shoots the puck very well and plays with intensity every shift,” said Rivermen Associate Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Kurt Astle. Zieky appeared in six games with the Rivermen this season and recorded one assist. The Rivermen would like to thank Chase for his contributions to the Rivermen and welcome Logan to the franchise.
Chilliwack-Cowichan Trade:
The Chilliwack Chiefs have acquired forward Darien Craighead (97) from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for defenseman Carter Cochrane (96). Craighead, in his third BCHL season has a goal and an assist in four games with the Capitals this season. Last season with the Capitals he had 19 goals and 23 assists in 42 games. He has committed to Northern Michigan University for next season. “We felt we needed another forward with a scoring touch,” said Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Jason Tatarnic. “We feel Craighead will provide that for us. When you acquire a good player you have to give something up in return and unfortunately the price tag was Carter. We wish Carter all the best in Cowichan.” Craighead is expected to be in the Chiefs lineup this weekend.
Centennials Sign Coghlan:
The Merritt Centennials are pleased to announce they have acquired 1995 born Ryan Coghlan from the Dauphin Kings in the MJHL. In order to acquire Ryan Coghlan, the Centennials had to first acquire Jarrod Schamerhorn from the Vernon Vipers, then move Jarrod to Dauphin. In the end Merritt gets Ryan Coghlan, Dauphin gets Jarrod Schamerhorn, and Vernon gets future considerations. In a comment released earlier today by Merritt Centennials Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin, here is what Martin had to say about the Cents new Defenceman; "We felt that our team could use some more experience and another high quality defenceman. Ryan is a great guy, and will be a welcomed addition in our dressing room."
Penticton-Langley Trade:
The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club has acquired forward Luke Voltin (95) from the Langley Rivermen, in exchange for the playing rights of CHL listed player Griffin Foulk (95), the team announced Saturday. Voltin, 20, had a goal and two points in seven games with the Rivermen this season, after coming over from the Vernon Vipers in an off-season trade. Last year, the 6’0, 195 pound forward had 10 goals and 26 points in 44 games with the Vipers. Voltin started his junior career in the USHL, splitting time between the Des Moines Buccaneers and the Lincoln Stars. The Blaine, Minnesota, native is a graduate of the U.S. National Development Program out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was a member of Team USA at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The addition of Voltin now fills out the Vees 22-man roster and he’ll wear number 11 and make his debut tonight in Chilliwack. Foulk, 20, is currently playing in the Western Hockey League with the Swift Current Broncos.
Salmon Arm-Soo Trade:
The Salmon Arm SIlverbacks today announce that they have traded Branden Wagner & Aidan Salerno to the Soo Thunderbirds of the NOJHL for future considerations. "This deal gives both players more of an opportunity to play more on a regular basis. We have alot of depth this year and they both deserve more ice time but that was not going to happen here". They are both great kids and were great teammates. Stated GM Troy Mick. The SIlverbacks would like to thank both of them for there time in Salmon Arm and wish them the best of luck with there new team.
Bulldogs Sign Skapski-Release Lavezzorio:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have added 1998-born defenseman Marshall Skapski. Skapski was a 3rd round selection by the Medicine Hat Tigers in 2013 but was recently released by the Tigers. To make room for Skapski, the Bulldogs have released 1996-born forward Will Lavezzorio. In 9 games with the Bulldogs, Lavezzorio was held off the score sheet. The Bulldogs would like to welcome Marshall to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs family and at the same time wish Will all the best in his future endeavours.
Royal Le Page Place Not Cup-Worthy:
It appears just two franchises will be submitting bids to host the 2017 Junior A Western Canada Cup after the West Kelowna Warriors announced this week they would not be bidding. The B.C. Hockey League will host the week-long, five-team tournament in 2017. It brings together the B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba league champions, along with a host team. The top two advance to the RBC Cup. Warriors owner Mark Cheyne said there were a few factors that prevented the team from putting in a bid. "Once the budgets came out for the last three years of it, we took a long, hard look at it, and it was way more money than we thought it was going to be on the expense side of it. And, we would have to do quite a bit to the arena," said Cheyne. "It's about $800,000 to put that week on. The reality is, you need about $500,000 to $600,000 in sponsorship, and that would be tough in our community." Cheyne talked with the City of West Kelowna concerning improvements to Royal LePage Place. They were willing to forgo some of the rental costs, but that was all, said Cheyne. "That's all they can do, and I understand that. Saying that, we have to do something with the arena to put in another media booth and more availability for TV." This is the second time the Warriors have backed away from bidding on a major event, partly due to shortcomings inside the building. A proposal to host the 2010 World Junior A Challenge at Royal LePage Place was shot down by the council of the day. Penticton ended up as the event host. "We tried to do the World Junior A, and I said the same thing that time. We need something to have the ability to have cameras in here or else we won't be able to host events in here," said Cheyne. Moving forward, the Warriors owner hopes the city could find a way to put some money away each year and make the upgrades in stages. "I understand where everyone is coming from," said Cheyne. "Money needs to go to a lot of other places before it comes to this arena. That's the reality, and I totally get that." Royal LePage Place officially opened in August 2007. With the Warriors' announcement, it's believed the decision will now be down to Penticton or Alberni Valley. Official bids must be submitted to the league office by Oct. 23. The 2016 Western Canada Cup will be held in Estevan, Sask.
Salmon Arm-Langley Trade:
The Langley Rivermen have completed a trade with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks to acquire forward Matthew Saharchuk (1995 born) in exchange for forward Mitch Newsome (1997 born). Saharchuk is in his second British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) season and has recorded two goals in six games with Salmon Arm. Last season, he spent the year in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) with the Battlefords North Stars, and enjoyed his best Junior “A” season to date with 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 44 games. A native of Fort St. James, BC, Saharchuk brings RBC Cup experience to the roster, as he was a member of the Vernon Vipers in 2013-14 when they played host to the event. “He is a big body that plays a physical game and possesses a strong skill set. He will add a veteran presence to our group and will fit in well to our line-up,” said Rivermen Associate Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Kurt Astle. Newsome appeared in four games with the Rivermen this season and recorded one assist. The Rivermen would like to thank Mitch for his contributions to the Rivermen and welcome Matthew to the franchise.
Alberni Valley-OCN Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce that 1997-born defenseman Taylor Derynck has been traded to the OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in exchange for 1996-born goalie Brody Claeys. Claeys is currently in his second season of junior hockey in the MJHL. In 4 games this season, the 6’3, 215lbs goalie from St. Rose, MB, has a record of 1-3 with a 2.70 GAA and a .928 save percentage. The Bulldogs would like to thank Taylor for his contributions on and off the ice at the same time welcome Brody to the Bulldogs family. Claeys is expected to join the team on Wednesday.
Kings Name Viglasi New Assistant Coach:
Ahead of Thursday's game against the Wenatchee Wild, the Powell River Kings are happy to announce the addition of Ron Viglasi to the club as an Assistant Coach. Viglasi, a local Powell River-ite has an extensive hockey background. Drafted in the 5th round, 97th overall to the New York Islanders, Viglasi played a season with the Nanaimo Clippers before moving onto the Western Hockey League and suiting up in Kelowna, Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw, Spokane and Victoria. "We've always been looking to add to the staff and Ron is a nice fit" says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. "He's a local and a guy I've known most of my life, he's got a good hockey background and we're really happy to bring him on board to help out with practice and be behind the bench when needed." Viglasi could be thrown into action as early as Thursday night against the Wild, as Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis may be forced to miss a 2nd consecutive game due to health issues. "I'm still battling the effects of an accident a couple of weeks ago and dealing with some health issues as a result." Welcome Ron to the Kings family.
Penticton Vees Awarded 2017 Western Canada Cup:
The biggest Western Canadian Junior ‘A’ Championship is coming to Penticton in 2017. The BCHL Board of Governors has approved The Penticton Vees as the host club for the 2017 Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup (WCC), with formal approval from the CJHL Board at a later date. The road to the 2017 National Junior ‘A’ Championship, the RBC Cup, will go through the Peach City from April 29th to May 7th, 2017. The Vees, along with the champions of the BCHL, Alberta Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and Manitoba Junior Hockey League will participate in a five-team tournament for the WCC title. Of the five teams, two will qualify for the 2017 RBC Cup in Cobourg, Ontario. President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson, says the organization has been preparing for such an event, “When I added the responsibility of President three seasons ago, my plan was to raise the overall business operation of our organization and to target bringing the 2017 WCC to Penticton. During that time we have raised corporate advertising, our season ticket base and our overall brand to a level that now gives us an opportunity to bring this prestigious event to our city.” Harbinson went on to say, “This is an exciting time of our returning players, staff, ownership and the South Okanagan Events Centre. The entire city of Penticton along with our faithful fans will benefit from this marque championship.” The WCC came to fruition in January 2012, when the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), announced a new regional playoff format for its four western provinces. This is the second time the WCC is coming to BC and the first time to the Okanagan. The Nanaimo Clippers held the inaugural event in 2013 and the Estevan Bruins are hosting the event this year in Saskatchewan. The 13-game tournament includes a round-robin schedule followed by two semi-final games and a championship game. The Western Canada Cup Champion and the runner-up will both represent Western Canada at the RBC Cup. The Vees are the defending WCC Champions, as they won the event last year in Fort McMurray, Alberta; their first in franchise history. The Vees upended the Portage Terriers 4-3 in overtime, in the Championship game. The BCHL has thrived at the event, winning two of the first three Western Canada Cups, as Surrey won the inaugural championship three years ago. The Vees organization along with the South Okanagan Events Centre and the City of Penticton is excited to welcome Western Canada’s best to the South Okanagan in the spring of 2017.
Grizzlies Make Roster Moves:
The much anticipated changes to the Victoria Grizzlies’ lineup finally appear to be arriving this week. General manager and head coach Craig Didmon was ironing out the final details Tuesday night of officially adding former Prince George Spruce Kings’ forward Luc Soares to the lineup, releasing Sage Fleming (who decided to return to California rather than play Junior B) to make room. Soares played a minimal role with the Spruce Kings, with no points in six games, all in a fourth-line capacity. He did record 24 goals and 52 points with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League last season. Soares was named a NOJHL all-star and invited to the Canada East 40-man roster camp for last year’s 2014 World Junior A Hockey Challenge. “I had a good season there. I know I can put the puck in the back of the net, it’s one of those things where you have to the right guys on your line and get the confidence going, which is big,” said the 19-year-old Delta native, who stands in at five-foot-nine and 170 pounds. “I think we can turn things around here,” he said of awaiting his chance with the Grizzlies. “Unfortunately, I was on the fourth line [in P.G.]. I don’t know what it was, but the coaches weren’t really giving me a chance. They told me I wasn’t a fourth-line guy so they didn’t want me to sit down on the fourth line.” He was subsequently traded to the Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, via an initial trade to the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. The Grizzlies will have to give up future considerations to process the move. “I’m excited to be here. I wanted to play in the BCHL, and at the end of the day, I just have to put pucks in the back of the net and we can turn this thing around,” added Soares, who did not want to report to Manitoba. Colby Livingstone, who hails from Creston, also took in practice with the Grizzlies on Tuesday and is on a tryout. Livingstone, a six-foot, 190-pounder, had 10 goals and 21 assists in 48 games with the Amherst Ramblers of the Maritime Hockey League last season. The year prior he had 22 goals and 30 assists in Creston of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League and also recorded three goals and a helper in six games as an affiliate with the Trail Smoke Eaters. Should he stick, Didmon would have to make room for one more body, which has the struggling 1-8-0-2 Grizzlies slightly on edge, as they should be considering the performance so far. “They brought me in to skate and we’ll see how it goes this week. I’m hoping to be here,” said Livingstone, also 19. “He’s a free agent, if he doesn’t play with us he’ll play Junior B in Creston,” Didmon said of Livingstone. “He played Jr. A in the Maritime league last year and had some good numbers. “He’s close to a 200-pounder, a physical player. He scored nearly 25 goals as a 17-year-old in the KIJHL and added the three goals in six games in Trail, so he’s showed that he can score at the junior level.” As for Soares, the Grizzlies may be hoping he produces like Garrett Forster did when Bill Bestwick brought him in two seasons ago. “He looks good out there. He scored 20-some-odd goals last year in the NOJHL as an 18-year-old, so those are impressive numbers,” said Didmon. “We’re looking for offence. He seems to have good speed and can shoot the puck. We’ll see how the week goes.” Soares was in the Prince George lineup when the Grizzlies beat the Spruce Kings 2-1 in overtime at the BCHL Showcase — the team’s only win so far. Victoria, last in the 17-team BCHL, plays host to Powell River Friday.
Chilliwack-Brockville Trade:
The Chiefs made a pair of roster moves today, moving forward Thomas Dunleavy (1996) to the Brockville Braves of the Central Junior A Hockey League in exchange for future consideration while bringing in defenseman Nolan Zweep (1997) from the Osoyoos Coyotes of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. Dunleavy registered one assist in five games with the Chiefs this season. In 44 games with the Coyotes last season Zweep scored twice and added 17 assists. He has seven assists in eight games this season. The Chiefs are on the road this weekend with stops Saturday in Alberni Valley and Sunday afternoon in Nanaimo. They return to home ice Wednesday October 21 when they host the Wenatchee Wild.
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