BCHL News & Trades:

I found these press releases off team websites, other hockey blogs or online. No Vipers trades/news will be on this list, as all Vipers news & trades are posted on this blog once released by the team.

BCHL News & Trades:

Cowichan-Trail Trade:

The Cowichan Capitals have acquired 19 year-old forward Rhett Willcox from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for 18 year-old defenceman Mitch Stapley. Now in his third BCHL season, the Surrey, BC native is coming off a 30 point season with the Merritt Centennials last year.  In eight games so far this season, the 5'10", 175 pound forward has three goals and an assist. "Rhett is a veteran player with over 100 games in the BCHL and comes with good puck skills and the ability to make plays," said Capitals Head Coach and General Manager Bob Beatty. "He has a fair amount of sandpaper to go along with his skill set and we're looking forward to adding another skilled forward to our group." Beginning his career with Merritt two seasons ago, Willcox was sent to the Smoke Eaters in the off-season as part of a future considerations package from a trade made last season. In 105 career BCHL games, Willcox has 19 goals and 28 assists for 47 points and 138 penalty minutes. Stapley is now into his second season in the BCHL with 14 points and eight penalty minutes in 62 games. "Mitch is a good skating, offensive defenceman that can play quality minutes and help at both ends of the ice," added Beatty. "He has progressed to become a quality BCHL blue liner.  We thank him for all his time with the Capitals and wish him well in Trail." 

West Kelowna-Camrose Trade:

The West Kelowna Warriors have acquired G Keelan Williams (96) from the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for F Paul Lovsin (96). Williams, who spent last season and the start of this season with the Western Hockey League’s Kootenay Ice, was picked up by Camrose after being released. He previously played for the Okotoks Oilers in the AJHL in 2012/2013. Lovsin was acquired by the Warriors in the off-season from Spruce Grove, where he won back to back AJHL Championships with the Saints. He had 4 goals and 4 assists in 16 games this season for the Warriors. “We would like to thank Paul for his contributions to the organization and wish him the best of luck in Alberta,” said Head Coach/General Manager Rylan Ferster. 

Alberni Valley-Drumheller Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of Tristan Bukovec from the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for future considerations. Bukovec began the season with the Dragons where he scored 3 points in 13 games. Prior to that, Bukovec played for the Okanagan Hockey Academy Prep in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League where he accumulated 23 goals and 29 assists in 28 games. The Penticton, BC resident is known for his offensive skill set and competitiveness. “Tristian will be a competitor who has potential to put the puck in the net for us,” says Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Willison. “We know that Tristian has a lot of potential and we think that he will mesh well with our style of play.” The 5-foot-10 Bukovec is expected to join the Bulldogs by Saturday October 31st when the the Nanaimo Clippers come to town. 

Penticton-Flin Flon-Sherwood Park Trade:

The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club has acquired the CJHL playing rights of forward Nick Jones (96) in a three-team deal, the team announced Saturday. To acquire Jones, the Vees traded forward Jason Lavallee (96) and future considerations, to the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, for the playing rights of defenseman Joel Webb (95). The Vees then traded the rights to Webb, plus future considerations, to the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), for playing rights to Jones. Jones, 19, was in his sophomore season at Ohio State University in the Big Ten Conference. The Edmonton, Alberta, native played in 29 games for the Buckeyes over parts of two seasons. Prior to joining Ohio State, Jones had a decorated junior career with the Crusaders. In the 2013-14 season with the Crusaders, Jones finished third in AJHL scoring with 72 points in 52 games and his 41 goals was the most in the league; also had a league-best 16 power-play goals. That season, Jones was a unanimous selection to the AJHL’s North Division All-League Team.  In two seasons in the AJHL, Jones compiled 52 goals and 96 points in 100 career games. He has worn the maple leaf as well, playing with Demico Hannoun on Team Canada West at the 2013 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge (WJAC). Jones finished second in team scoring with five points as the Team West reached the WJAC Semi-Finals. Lavallee, 19, played in 13 games with the Vees this season, picking up two goals and six points. Jones will join the Vees back in Penticton on Monday and will be on the ice for practice; he’ll wear number eight and make his debut Friday against Merritt. The Vees organization is excited to welcome Nick to Penticton and the South Okanagan, and wishes Jason all the best in his future hockey endeavors.

Prince George-Grande Prairie Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Oliver Trachsel(97)(D) to the Grande Prairie Storm of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

Victoria-Coquitlam Trade:

The Victoria Grizzlies have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Dante Hahn(95)(F) from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations.

West Kelowna-Surrey Trade:

The West Kelowna Warriors have traded G Forbes Ploszaj (96) to the Surrey Eagles in exchange for Future Considerations. Ploszaj, in his first season in West Kelowna was 5-2 with a 2.70 GAA and a .899 Sv% in 7 games. The move became necessary when the Warriors acquired Keelan Williams from the Camrose Kodiaks on Tuesday. Williams has 13 games of WHL experience. The Warriors will now go with Stephen Heslop and Williams in goal, as they move into Friday night's game against Salmon Arm at the Shaw Centre. The next night, the Warriors welcome the 'Backs back to Royal Lepage Place, where fans wearing costume get in FREE, and kids can get candy during the game. Box office opens at 6 pm, Puck drops at 7 pm.  

Coquitlam Express Name Pettie New President:

The Coquitlam Express are happy to officially announce the appointment of Mark Pettie as the President of the BCHL Junior A hockey club. Mark has been working with the team in an advisory capacity for a number of months and his appointment helps solidify the management of the organization. "We are very pleased to have Mark formally on board" said Rick Siemens, one of the team Owners who resides in Hong Kong.  "Our ownership group brings a strong passion and commitment to the sport of hockey and we've been happy to dedicate our energy and resources in partnership alongside supporters and groups in the surrounding communities.   With Mark as our President, with his history and community track record, we now have terrific local leadership to help us make our Express the hockey experience of choice in the Tri-Cities." "We are confident that Mark's local leadership will further cement the team's partnership with the community, creating a magnet for community initiative and, at the same time, providing a unique opportunity for young players to pursue their hockey dreams while achieving a first rate academic education", added Gary Lawrence, another of the team Owners. Pettie is a local businessman and a long time resident of the Tri Cities.   Mark has a long history of community involvement and project management with a number of organizations such as the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Terry Fox Foundation.   He has played and been involved in hockey for more than 45 years. “The Express and the BCHL play an important role in our communities and not just on the ice.   The team has done a great job as ambassadors throughout BC, Canada and even North America, but also does a lot of grass roots work at home.  I have always been impressed with the work that the organization has done supporting local charities and groups and I look forward to being a part of it.” The next Express home game is Friday November 13th at 7 PM , Poirier Arena.  At the November 13th game the Express will be hosting Veterans Night in recognition of those that have served our country.

Salmon Arm-Surrey Trade:

The Silverbacks have traded right shot D Man Brett Stewart to the Surrey Eagles for D Man Kodi Schwarz.  Kodi is an offensive D Man who will help the Backs Power Play as he has 13 points in 18 games so far this season. Coach West had this to say about the trade today… “We are looking forward to getting Kodi into the lineup. He brings a solid 2 way game to our backend and is a guy we can use in all situations”. The Silverbacks wish Brett the best of luck and welcome Kodi to the Backs family!

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.

BC Ford Dealers To Present BCHL Championship:

The BCHL is proud to have BC Ford Dealers on board as the presenting sponsor of the 2015-16 Road to the Fred Page Cup. In this, the BCHL’s 54th season, BC Ford Dealers will be there for the quest to the playoffs and, for the 12 teams that make the postseason, the chance to get to the BCHL Finals to compete for the Fred Page Cup. “Being the champion of the BCHL and lifting the Fred Page Cup is a major accomplishment on the way to a national title,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “We’re thrilled to have the support of BC Ford Dealers as we narrow down the field and eventually crown a winner. Our playoffs see the most intense hockey of the year and this partnership adds that much more excitement to the journey.” As the playoffs approach, the Fred Page Cup will make appearances at various rinks around the BCHL. Fans will have a chance to see all the names engraved on the trophy over the years, from Ray Ferraro to Orland Kurtenbach, Scott Gomez to Kyle Turris.

Harbinson Won’t Rule Out Making Marquee Trades:

Going into league action Friday, five points separated second spot overall in the BCHL from eighth. There were 13 points between No. 1 and No. 2. The Penticton Vees are off to a 25-2-0-0 start to the season. As of Friday morning, they were eight wins in front of their nearest competition, the Chilliwack Chiefs, who sported a 17-6-1-2 mark. Penticton are the reigning league champions. General manager and coach Fred Harbinson and various players have talked openly about how their goal this season is to win the RBC Cup national title. They were eliminated from last year’s tournament in the semifinals with a 2-1 double overtime loss to the Carleton Place Canadians. These Vees are obviously talented, too. They feature two potential first-round picks in next June’s NHL draft in Buffalo in forward Tyson Jost and defenceman Dante Fabbro. Do they have enough to win the whole thing? The entire enchilada? Do they think they have to add something via trade? Harbinson maintained he wasn’t sure on Thursday. “My job, as a general manager, is to look at what’s out there and, if there’s proper move to be made, to make it,” he said. “There’s plenty of time between now and Jan. 10 (the trade deadline).” The Vees won the RBC title in 2011-12, and that year they made a blockbuster move at the January trade freeze. They were 33-3-0-2 and had won 21 straight games when they landed sniper Wade Murphy from the Victoria Grizzlies. Murphy was fourth in league scoring at the time, and the deal gave the Vees the second through seventh leading scorers in the BCHL for that moment. “Every week, you learn more about your hockey team,” Harbinson continued. “You can win hockey games and still find holes in your game. “There’s still a lot of time between now and the trade deadline.” The Vees are missing two defencemen to long-term injuries. Gabe Bast (lower body) and Seamus Donohue (upper body) will be “like major trade acquisitions” when they return to action. It doesn’t sound like either will be back soon. Harbinson said that Bast has been cleared for “light skating,” next week, while he’s hoping to have Donohue after the holiday break. Bast, 18, who has already committed to North Dakota, has played just six games this season. He had 40 points, including nine goals, in 49 regular season games last season. Donohue, 19, has five assists in 18 games to date in his first season with the Vees. He’s yet to commit to a school. Harbinson has made a couple of trades in the past month, picking up defenceman Domenic Massellis, 18, from the Langley Rivermen for future considerations, and nabbing one-time Ohio State forward Nicholas Jones, 19,  from the Alberta league’s Sherwood Park Crusaders as part of a three-way deal. Jones, who had 41 goals for Sherwood Park in 2013-14, has put up 17 points, including three goals, in his first 11 games with Penticton.

Alberni Valley-Calgary Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce the acquisition of Dominic Thom from the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for the CJHL playing rights to defensemen Nathan Walker and Nolan Alward. Thom is a big towering defenseman with experience in the AJHL and the Western Hockey League. This season Thom has posted 5 points and 55 penalty minutes in 10 games with the Mustangs. Prior to that, Thom was a standout for the Edge School and the Calgary Northstars midget programs respectively. The Calgary, Alberta, native is known for his strong, steady presence on the blue line and will bring some consistency to the Bulldogs defense core. “Dominic should be a steady defenseman for us and we are very excited to for him join the team,” said Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Willison. “It is difficult to see Nathan and Nolan go because both are great in the community and with their teammates. However, we are confident that this move immediately makes our hockey club better.” The 6-foot-3 Thom is expected to join the Bulldogs for their up and coming road trip.

Langley-Georgetown Trade:

The Langley Rivermen announced today that they have traded defenseman Austin Cho (1997 born) to the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) for future considerations. With the open roster spot, the Rivermen signed defenseman Troy Ring (1997 born) to the team. Ring, a native of North Vancouver, was in his third season playing for the North Van Wolf Pack in the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), and won a league championship with the Wolf Pack in 2014-15. He leaves the team as the league leader in scoring amongst defenseman with 7 goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 21 games. Ring has suited up in one game for the Rivermen this season as an affiliate player. Cho started the season in Vernon before being traded to Langley a few weeks ago, appeared in seven games with the Rivermen this season and recorded one assist and two penalty minutes. The Rivermen would like to thank Austin for his contributions and welcome Troy to the franchise.

Victoria-Calgary Trade:

Looking for a little more scoring and size down the middle, Victoria Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon added Jared Virtanen — cousin of Vancouver Canucks’ rookie Jake Virtanen — in a trade for J.D. Falconer on Thursday. Virtanen, 19, is a six-foot-two, 200-pound centreman, who also plays right wing. He was secured from the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League where he had eight goals and 10 assists in 28 games this season. Virtanen recorded 11 goals and 17 assists in 50 games last year in Calgary, where his cousin Jake toiled with the Hitmen of the Western Hockey League and helped him get accustomed to his new surroundings. Both hail from Abbotsford and also played some minor hockey together. “I did ask for a trade,” Jared Virtanen said of leaving the 4-22-2 Mustangs, who are in last place in the South Division of the AJHL. “It happened pretty quick. “I’m really happy about the deal, pretty excited, actually,” added Virtanen, whose brother Richard Virtanen played 21 games with the Grizzlies back in 2009-10. “I was playing a lot, but we were struggling and in a big losing streak [19 games] and I just wanted to get a fresh start somewhere else.” Virtanen was the Mustangs’ second-leading scorer at the time. He is expected to play this weekend, either at The Q Centre tonight against visiting Nanaimo or Saturday at home to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Both games are at 7 p.m. “He gives us more size down the middle and experience and he’s someone who can add some scoring as well,” said Didmon, who moved Falconer, who had one goal in 23 games. “It’s a good pickup for us. We were looking for more power to add. He’s got size and he’s durable. “I think J.D. will be a good player for the future. He wasn’t happy in his role here,” Didmon added of Falconer, the five-foot-nine, Barrie, Ont., native, who said he would not report to Calgary. The Wranglers are forced to place the 18-year-old on waivers in hopes of finding a trade partner elsewhere. Falconer is hoping to return to Ontario to play.