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:

Riddle Commits To Surrey Eagles:

The Philadelphia Jr. Flyers are pleased to announce that 1998-born forward Tyler Riddle has committed to the Surrey Eagles team for the 2016-2017 BCHL season. Tyler is a 5' 11" forward and the Leading scorer in the AYHL 18U division. "Tyler is a consistent player. That works hard, and competes every game" Bud stated. "Tyler is very strong with the puck and should do well in the BCHL next year" he added. The Jr Flyers organization wishes Tyler good luck in this step in his hockey career.

Clippers Bringing In New Part-Owner & Team President:

The Nanaimo Clippers are about to add a new key player to the ownership group. The city's B.C. Hockey League club is in the process of bringing in a new part-owner who will take over the roles of team president and governor. "We're close to making an announcement on a local partner that's going to come in for a percentage," said Ken Wagner, the team's current governor. "We've always looked for a local partner. We don't live there and the community should have a local owner there and that's what we've been lacking." The BCHL's annual general meeting will be held in June and Wagner said he expects the Clippers' new governor will be in place by that time. He said there's no hesitancy on his part to give up the role. "We've been looking for the right person for a long time and I think we've finally got one," he said. Even with a new part-owner in the works, the Clippers are for sale and will remain for sale. However, Wagner said there hasn't been serious interest from potential buyers. "Obviously if someone comes along and wants to buy the whole thing, then the partners will make a decision on it, but right now, this is to get a new person involved here to be the local guy." Wagner feels the change will help the club move forward, and he likes the way the Clippers are going. "We've had some success with the club the last couple of years; that helps with things…" he said. "Three or four years ago we hit the wall, but now we've rebuilt the program and recruiting has come back; we've got lots of kids that want to play in the program. We're happy. Extremely happy."

Boie Commits To Langley:

The Langley Rivermen are pleased to announce defenseman Frank Boie (1998 born) has committed to the Rivermen for the 2016-17 season. Boie is a Montreal, Quebec native and played four seasons with The Rivers School (based in Weston, Massachusetts and plays out of the USHS). In 28 games this year, he recorded 6 goals and 21 assists for 27 points. In 98 career games, he registered 10 goals and 44 assists for 54 points. Boie already has a college commitment to Holy Cross for 2017-18. “I am extremely excited to be a part of the Langley Rivermen organization. I look forward to the opportunity to play for such a well-respected team in the BCHL and can’t wait to get there,” said Boie. Boie stands at 6 foot 1, 185 pounds and describes himself as a very balanced blue liner. “I am a competitive, gritty player who loves to challenge the best players on the opposing team. One of my strongest skills is my skating ability, which is an asset both in the defensive and offensive zone. On the defensive aspect, I focus on doing all the little things right to help my team such as: finish checks, block shots, as well as making a smart first pass out of our zone,” continued Boie. Boie’s Head Coach at The Rivers School is former NHLer Shawn McEachern. Shawn believes Frank is a player that does things the right way and is a big reason why his team won two championships. “He was a top player on our team and was named co-MVP. He played against other team’s top lines and shut them down, while putting up some nice numbers offensively. His skating is elite and has the ability to join the rush or take the puck out of our end by himself. We were fortunate to have Frank at our program for four years,” said McEachern, who was Captain of the Atlanta Thrashers from 2002-2004. With his high school career over, Boie knows what he would like to accomplish in his time with the Rivermen before taking off to the NCAA ranks at Holy Cross. “My short term goals are to help the Rivermen earn a championship and to develop myself into the best player I can possibly be. I chose the Rivermen because they are a very competitive team that does a great job at developing players. Every conversation I have had with Coach Henderson have been awesome and look forward to wearing the Langley Rivermen jersey next season,” Boie finished.

Penticton Vees Unveil New 2nd Logo:

The Penticton Vees have unveiled a new second logo for the upcoming season, the one they will be hosting the 2017 Western Canada Cup. The new logo-look shows the long tradition of Junior hockey in Penticton showing all previous Penticton Junior hockey teams from the past, going back to the original Penticton Vees logo, Penticton Broncos, Penticton Knights, Penticton Panthers and the current Penticton Vees logo.

Chiefs Re-Sign Head Coach Tatarnic:

The BCHL Mainland Division Champion Chilliwack Chiefs today announced the signing of Head Coach and GM Jason Tatarnic to a new long-term contract. “Jason’s value to this organization and to hockey in Chilliwack has been proven over the past two years so we want him and Chilliwack hockey fans to know how much we appreciate him and his efforts”, said Club President Glen Ringdal. “Jason has built a first-class hockey department and achieved significant on-ice results with back-to-back Mainland Division Championships in very short order.  We fully expect his success – and therefore the success of the entire organization – will only flourish under his leadership.  His players are attracting notable attention from NHL and major US University scouts while they also continue to play an important role in the community activities of Chilliwack,” he said. The third-year of Jason’s original contract has been torn up to make room for the new pact which is for up to five years with options.  “We hope he’s here for all five years and then some,” Ringdal commented. “I am very thankful and honored that the Chiefs’ ownership group offered to extend my contract,” Tatarnic stated.  “They have treated myself and my family with nothing but class since day one.  My family and I are excited to be part of the Chilliwack community and the Chiefs organization.”

Warner Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters:

Trail Smoke Eaters spring camp has netted the team a top defenceman from the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL).  Ryan Warner, an 18 year old 6′ 3″ 180 lb. defenceman, has committed to the Smoke Eaters for the 2016-17 season.  Ryan played for the Peninsula Panthers  in 2015-16 and in 45 games had 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points. Warner stated, “I’m very happy and excited to join the Smoke Eater family and looking forward to playing in such a historic hockey town and in front of a great community.”  “I’m a defence first player that will play tough and make it difficult for opposing forwards to get comfortable in front of our net.” The Smoke Eaters welcome Ryan and wish him good luck in the upcoming season.

Rivermen Name Shaw New Associate Coach:

The Langley Rivermen announced today that the franchise has hired former professional hockey player Chris Shaw to be the new Associate Head Coach. Last year’s Associate Head Coach & Assistant General Manager Kurt Astle has stepped down from his Associate Head Coach role, but will retain his Assistant General Manager position. Mitch Fyffe will remain as an Assistant Coach for the 2016-17 season. Chris Shaw, a Surrey native, was a defenseman that played in 168 career BCHL games from 1998-2001 between the Victoria Salsa and Burnaby Bulldogs. In his last season with the Bulldogs, he was named team Captain. Through 2003-2008, he played professionally in the Central Hockey League (CHL), United Hockey League (UHL), Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), and in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Victoria Salmon Kings. In total, he appeared in 214 professional regular season games. In 2009-10, he began his coaching career with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL) as an Assistant Coach before taking the Head Coach & General Manager job with the Nelson Leafs in the KIJHL a season later. After a year with the Vernon Vipers as an Assistant Coach in 2011-12, he took over the reigns as Head Coach and General Manager for the Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) for the better part of two seasons. “I am really excited for the chance to coach back in the BCHL again. Bobby and I go back a long ways and to have an opportunity to coach alongside him will be a great experience, as it has been something we have talked about for a long time,” said Shaw. Coach Henderson believes Shaw’s experience and familiarity with the league makes him a great fit. “Losing Kurt on the bench, we felt it was important to add an experienced coach to our staff. Chris brings along a great playing and coaching resume that our players will be able to draw from. His experience with player development, bench management, and recruiting will be a valuable asset for us,” said Henderson. Asked to describe his coaching philosophy, Shaw pointed to a few things that he stands by. “Accountability and integrity are pretty big for me. I feel like I am a pretty good motivator and have always had an open door policy with my players. I like to communicate with them as much as I can and earn their trust before I start pushing buttons,” said Shaw. Although there is more than four months before training camp begins, both Shaw and Henderson are eager to be on the same BCHL bench for the first time. “Chris and I were first teammates almost 20 years ago. Over the years we have maintained a great friendship and have talked about coaching together since we first played together. I am glad the timing is finally right for that to happen,” said Henderson. “I have followed the Rivermen pretty close over the past five seasons and the Henderson family has done a great job with their program. Year in and year out they continue to recruit quality players and I expect next year’s team to be competitive like they are every season,” finished Shaw.

Tychonick Commits To Vees:

After visiting the city for a week and seeing what the Penticton Vees are all about, top prospect Jonny Tychonick knew it was where he wanted to be. The 16-year-old defenceman was introduced to a gathering of Vees season’s ticket holders and other fans on Tuesday at the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame section of the South Okanagan Events Centre. “I came here for a week in January and got to see what it is like to be a Penticton Vee,” said the Calgary Flames midget 3A star. “I met the guys, formed some friendships. I loved the city and the building. I knew right then that this was what I wanted to do.” Tychonick, who hails from Calgary, became the latest in a line of top-end players to spurn the Western Hockey League in favour of playing in the B.C. Hockey League for Penticton. The smooth-skating five-foot-11, 180-pounder was drafted by the Saskatoon Blades in the first round, 12th overall of the 2015 WHL bantam-age player draft. Forward Tyson Jost and defenceman Dante Fabbro just completed two seasons with the Vees after being picked in the first round of the WHL draft. Both earned NCAA Division 1 scholarships and are projected to be picked in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in June. Tychonick got to know Fabbro well during his visit and was suitably impressed with how he had developed under Vees GM and head coach Fred Harbinson. “You see how great a player and leader he is at still a young age,” said Tychonick, who proudly donned a No. 20 Vees jersey to the approval of the gathering. Harbinson compares Tychonick to current Minnesota Wild player and key member of the 2012 Vees national championship-winning team, Mike Reilly. “Not to put pressure on him, but his skating ability reminds me a lot of Mikey,” said Harbinson. “He’s a defenceman who creates a lot of offence." Tychonick, who already has a scholarship secured to the University of North Dakota, said he was surprised and honoured by the comparisons to Reilly. “Going from midget to junior, I know it’s a big step and I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Tychonick, who led the Flames to the Mac’s Midget Tournament championship in Calgary earlier this season. “I’ll just keep working hard and trying to develop with the Vees and hopefully someday I can be like (Reilly).” Tychonick collected five goals and 22 points in 28 regular-season games and a goal and four points in eight playoff games with the Flames. He also played two games with Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta junior league, tallying a goal and two points in three games. Tychonick said he’s not sure how many seasons he’ll play for the Vees before moving on the UND, which recently won the NCAA Division 1 national championship led by another former Vees blueliner, Troy Stecher. “I’m just going to play it year by year,” said Tychonick. “A lot will depend on how my development goes, what the coaches think is best. My main priority is playing for the Vees and hopefully being part of a team that can win a championship.” Tychonick admitted he was extremely excited about the prospect of the Vees hosting the Western Canada Cup in the spring of 2017. “That’s going to be amazing,” said Tychonick. “Hopefully we can win the league and the (WCC) and get to a national championship. That’s what everyone in Penticton wants.” Harbinson said other top recruits will be announced in the coming months. He noted several will appear at the Vees Spring Camp at the end of May. “We’re talking to a lot of players, getting commitments,” said Harbinson. “In terms of recruiting for next season’s team, we’re well ahead of the curve.”

Penticton Vees Press Conference,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDB1kBfLloQ

Powell River-Prince George Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are pleased to announce the acquisition of 19 year old goaltender Stefan Wornig from The Powell River Kings. The 6’6” 190 pound Wornig is from Surrey, B.C. and was acquired by The Spruce Kings as the future considerations portion of the January 10th trade between Prince George and Powell River that sent 20 year old defenseman Adam Brubacher to Powell River. Last season with Powell River Stefan had 8 wins, 12 losses with 2 shutouts and posted a 3.05 goals against average and a .914 save percentage in 21 games played. Stefan attended The Team Canada West tryout camp in both 2014 and 2015.  Team Canada West participates in The World Junior A Challenge every December. “We are excited to add Stefan to our organization. He is a big, technically strong goaltender who will help solidify that position for us. Goaltending at our level and in our league is extremely important. Having two solid goaltenders on the roster is going to give us a better opportunity to win hockey games. Stefan has also been in our league for a couple of seasons now so he will also be leaned upon to provide leadership on and off the ice” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes.

Clippers Name Hewson Captain For Next Season:

The Nanaimo Clippers have announced Spencer Hewson as the team’s Captain for the 2016-17 season.

Dumaresque Commits To Langley:

The Langley Rivermen are pleased to announce forward Andrew Dumaresque (1997 born) has committed to the Rivermen for the 2016-17 season. Dumaresque is a Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia native and captained Milton Academy last season. In 27 games during the 2015-16 campaign, he recorded 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points. “I’m very excited to commit to the Rivermen next year. I chose the Rivermen because not only are they an extremely competitive team year in and year out, but they also have a great reputation for developing guys and moving them on to the next level,” said Dumaresque. Dumaresque is a 6 foot 1, 185 pound centre that describes himself as a two-way player. “I’m a hard-working centre that can play in all situations. I like to chip in offensively as well as shut down the opposing team’s best players. I also pride myself in being solid in the face-off circle,” he continued. Rivermen Head Coach and General Manager Bobby Henderson liked what he saw in Dumaresque when he took in a Milton Academy game in 2015. “Andrew is a big body forward that has a creative scoring touch. He excelled on both the power play and penalty kill and seems like a player you can trust in all situations. You can never have enough of those kind of players on a team and feel he will be a great fit up the middle for us,” said Henderson. With a new chapter in his hockey career about to begin with the Rivermen, Dumaresque has a good idea of what he would like to accomplish. “In the short term, I hope to come to Langley, have a great year, develop my skills, and help the team compete for a title. Long term goals – I hope to further my hockey career, move onto the next level, and earn an NCAA Division-I scholarship. Coming to Langley will be an excellent opportunity for me,” Dumaresque finished.

Berard Commits To Powell River Kings:

The Powell River Kings are very pleased to announce the commitment of 1999 born forward Ben Berard.  The 5’11, 185 pound forward comes to the Kings organization after two standout seasons in both the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) and the BC Major Midget League. A 7th round pick in the Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, Ben went on to lead the South Island Royals in goals scored (21), while finishing second in team points with 46 in 40 games played during the 2014-2015 season. This past season while suiting up for the U18 Shawnigan Lake School of the CCSHL, he once again led his team, in every statistical category; goals 34, assists 24 for 58 points in just 36 games. “We are very excited to add an impact player like Ben to our lineup for the upcoming season,” said Kent Lewis, Head Coach and General Manager.  “A player with his skill set is one thing, but after meeting and talking to Ben and his family, a person with his character is a great addition to our program here in Powell River.” Ben will contribute to a forward group that has a number of returning players from the 2015-2016 season. “I am very excited to join the Powell River Kings organization”, says Ben.  “After meeting with Kent and visiting the town, I felt very comfortable. While visiting, I got to take in a playoff game and saw the great atmosphere and support from the community.” Ben also noted, “I can hardly wait to get there and get started.”  You can get your first look of the newest King this coming August, as Ben will join his new teammates for training camp to be held here in Powell River. Details for the camp will be posted when they become available. Furthermore, be sure to stay tuned for more player signings and announcements throughout the coming weeks.