BCHL News & Trades:
Alberni Valley-Dieppe Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Thursday traded forwards Liam Conrad and Chris Sarault to the Dieppe Commandos of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League for future considerations. Conrad, 18, had eight goals and 17 points in 57 BCHL games as a rookie in 2015-16. The Sackville, NB native played the previous three seasons in the New Brunswick-PEI Major Midget AAA League with the Moncton Flyers, where he led the league in scoring and was named a First Team All-Star in 2014-15. He also played three games that season with Dieppe as an affiliate player. Sarault, a 19-year-old from Denver, CO, also played his rookie BCHL season in 2015-16 and had 12 points (7-5-12) in 44 games. The son of former NHLer Yves Sarault, he was a teammate of Conrad's in the NBPEIMMHL in 2014-15. The younger Sarault has been drafted by teams in the QMJHL, USHL, and MHL.
Penticton-Cowichan-Surrey Trade:
The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club acquired veteran defenceman Mitch Meek (96) from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in a three-team trade, the club announced Monday. To facilitate the trade, the Vees sent forward Darius Davidson (96) to the Surrey Eagles for future considerations. The Vees then flipped those future considerations to Cowichan Valley for the playing rights to Meek. “We were in need of an experienced, veteran defenceman and he being a right-handed shot was the perfect fit for us. We’re excited to have him on our blue-line next season,” said President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson. Meek brings plenty of experience to the Vees blue-line, as the Victoria, BC, native has played four seasons in the BCHL with Cowichan Valley, Vernon and Victoria. This past season the blue-liner set career highs in assists (26) and points (31), helping the Capitals get back to the BCHL post-season for the first time in four years. In 193 career regular season games in the BCHL, the 20-year-old has accumulated 15 goals and 72 points. The 6’0, 200 pound right-shot defenceman has also played in 38 Fred Page Cup playoff games, including facing the Vees in the 2015 Interior Final, when he was with Vernon. Meek says he looks forward to throwing on the Vees jersey, “I’m excited for the opportunity to come to an organization with such a great reputation like the Vees and competing for an RBC Cup. Can’t wait to get to Penticton and get things going.” Davidson, 20, spent the 2015-16 season between Penticton and Surrey. In 51 games split between the two teams, Davidson collected 14 goals and 30 points. The Vees would like to thank Darius for his contributions to the organization and wish him well in Surrey. The organization is excited to add Mitch to the fold and would like to welcome him and his family to the South Okanagan.
Jankowski, Lee, Vincent & Poliziani Commit To Chiefs:
Chilliwack Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Jason Tatarnic today announced the addition of four players, all forwards for the 2016-17 season. Joining the Chiefs will be David Jankowski (1997), Tom Lee (1997), Anthony Vincent (1997) and Cole Poliziani (1997). All four join the Chiefs from Salisbury Prep School in Connecticut. “We are extremely pleased to add these four players to our program,” said Tatarnic. “Coming from a quality school like Salisbury, we know they are prepared to make the move to our league. They are four quality individuals who will bring the character that we expect from our players. All four are skilled players who will be able to contribute offensively.” David Jankowski Position: Forward Date of Birth: May 25, 1997 Hometown: Dundas, Ontario Height: 6’1 Weight: 175 On joining the Chiefs: “I am very excited to join the Chiefs next season. The BCHL is one of the best junior hockey leagues in North America and I can't wait to play for a top notch organization. I am looking forward to getting out to Chilliwack and starting the season.” Tatarnic on Jankowski: “David is a very smart player who has the ability to make plays in the offensive zone. He brings size to our forward group, and we think he can contribute offensively.” Tom Lee Position: Forward Date of Birth: July 11, 1997 Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Height: 5’10 Weight: 165 On Joining the Chiefs: “I’m so excited and can’t wait to get started in Chilliwack. When I had the chance to visit the team in March, it was easy to see why the team’s been so successful. The players and coaches work really hard for each other. I was so impressed with the organization, the facilities and how passionate the fans are. It’s a real honour to get to play in Chilliwack.” Tatarnic on Lee: “Tommy is a very skilled player who has good hands and good vision. A smart player who will provide offense for us and add character to our team.” Anthony Vincent Position: Forward Date of Birth: August 12, 1997 Hometown: Wilton, CT Height: 5’10 Weight: 180lbs On joining the Chiefs: “I am extremely excited to be coming to Chilliwack. The BCHL is one of the best junior leagues in North America and I can’t wait to be part of such an excellent program. It’s a competitive, skilled league and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play for such a well-coached team.” Tatarnic on Vincent: “Anthony comes to our program with a history of winning. During his time with Salisbury he won three championships and he served as the team captain last year. Anthony is a two way player that we expect to have immediate impact up front.” Cole Poliziani Position: Forward Date of Birth: September 26, 1997 Hometown: Burlington, Ontario Height: 5’10 Weight: 170lbs On joining the Chiefs: “I’m excited to head west to beautiful British Columbia and play for a very successful program in Chilliwack. I can't wait to make Chilliwack my new home.” Tatarnic on Poliziani: “Cole is a good two way player with character that competes extremely hard. We expect him to step right into our line-up and contribute in a big way in both ends of the ice.”
Metsa Commits To Centennials:
The Merritt Centennials have signed 17-year-old defenseman Zach Metsa. Metsa, a puck-moving defenseman from Delafield, Wisconson, comes to Merritt from the Milwaulkee Junior Admirals. Metsa is another Cents player committed to Quinnipiac University, which is where the Centennials second leading scorer from 2015-16, Nick Jermain, is now continuing his hockey career. Metsa developed in the Junior Admirals program, spending seven years with them. He was the leading scorer among defenseman in the U16 category for two consecutive years, and prides himself on the ability to see the ice well and make plays. Metsa is a competitor, and wants to play against the top players in the world. No doubt, that drive is what brought him to Cents camp. “This weekend our staff was able to meet Zach and his family during our tryout camp,” said Cents GM and Head Coach Joe Martin. “We’ve added a great athlete to our program, but also a great family. We look forward to Zach joining us in August.”
Donohoe Commits To Surrey Eagles:
The Surrey Eagles are pleased to announce that 16-year-old Surrey native Hunter Donohoe has committed to the team for the 2016-17 season. At 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, he is a big-bodied defenceman, and will join an extremely experienced defence core as one of the youngest players on the team. Donohoe comes to the Eagles from the local Semiahmoo minor hockey program. He also was an AP for Valley West Hawks, where current Eagle Jeff Stewart played. This commitment is a dream come true for the young d-man, who has spent the majority his life in the Surrey area. “I grew up in Ocean Park watching [the Eagles] and I always wanted to play for them,” Donohoe said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca. “It’s a huge opportunity for me, as a 16-year-old, to come in. I’m so excited to get the season going.” It was an easy decision for the Eagles to add a top, young, local prospect early in his career, but the move also makes sense from the player’s perspective. Donohoe’s goal is to earn a NCAA division I scholarship, so the BCHL is where he wants to be. He’s also following in the footsteps of his older brother Taylor Donohoe, another physical defenceman, who played in the league from 1999 to 2003. Taylor earned a scholarship to Wayne State University, where he completed four years. The team has had their eye on the younger Donohoe for quite some time, but he really began to shine at this year’s spring evaluation camp. That’s when assistant coach Brad Tobin knew it was time to bring him into the organization. “His size is a big factor that stands out,” Tobin said, describing Donohoe. “Being so young, he’s going to fill out into his body. His gap control and his one-on-ones when players came into the zone against him were excellent at spring camp. He wasn’t used to playing against junior ‘A’ and ‘B’ calibre guys, but he showed really well, and we’ve liked him since then.” It’s never easy for a young player to come into one of the most challenging junior ‘A’ leagues in North America, but Donohoe feels that he is well-prepared for the experience. His size and puck-moving ability certainly gives him a chance to make an impact in his first season. “I’m expected to play against some bigger guys,” mentioned Donohoe. “I practiced with the team a bit last year, so I have an idea of the pace. It’s a lot faster. You just have to work hard, and be ready for it.” Donohoe2His role in the first season may be small at the beginning, because of his age, but there really is no limit on how quickly he can progress up the lineup, according to assistant coach Tobin. “Coming from midget hockey, it’s a big step for him. He needs to get accustomed to the league. We like the fact that he comes from Semiahmoo, because that means he’s played quite a number of games on the Olympic sheet at South Surrey Arena. That will really help him out. I think he’s going to slowly grow into a solid BCHL player.” This offseason is crucial for Donohoe. He plans to focus on what he can control: Filling out his frame, and developing his foot speed on the ice. “The team wants me to work hard over the summer, to prepare for the speed. They don’t want to put me into any situations that I shouldn’t be in, but they want me to prepare so I can play with some confidence.” “I can’t wait to play in the BCHL.”
Nanaimo-Carleton Place Trade:
The Nanaimo Clippers have traded 19 year old forward Troy MacTavish to the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL in exchange for 20 year old defenceman Will LeNeave. Last season with the Clippers MacTavish recorded 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points in 37 games played. Will LeNeave joins the Clippers after helping the Carleton Place Canadians win their league championship and participate in the 2016 Royal Bank Cup. During the 2015-2016 season the 6’4″, 205 lb, Orono Minnesota native tallied 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 58 games played. Will is also committed to the NCAA Division 1 Union College Dutchmen for the Fall of 2017.
Connor Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are pleased to announce that defenseman Powell Connor (2000) has committed to the Chiefs for the 2016-17 season. The 6’1 170lb Connor joins the Chiefs from the Okanagan Rockets of the BC Major Midget Hockey league where he scored three goals and eight assists to go along with 80 penalty minutes in 38 games. Connor is thrilled to be making the move to Chilliwack. “I’m really excited to be a part of such an amazing organization,” said Connor. “I can’t wait to see what my future holds as a Chief.” “We’re excited to add Powell to our team,’ added Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Jason Tatarnic. “ He’s an excellent young player and we look forward to seeing him develop with us.”
Penticton-St. Michaels Trade:
The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club acquired forward Noah Jordan (97) from the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) the team announced Wednesday. In exchange the Vees sent the playing rights of defenceman Seamus Donohue (96) and future considerations back to St. Michaels. “What stands out with Noah is his size and experience but he also has shown he can produce at this level. You can never have enough depth and with us hosting the Western Canada Cup, we feel he’ll be a solid piece up front that will help us take a run at a national championship.” The 6’5, 215 pound winger spent the last three seasons in the OJHL with St. Mike’s and put up career highs in goals, points and assists this past season. As an 18-year-old, Jordan had 12 goals and 56 points in 50 regular season games, finishing second in team scoring; his 44 helpers were a team best. In three seasons in the OJHL, the Toronto, Ontario, native compiled 24 goals and 92 points in 138 regular season games. He also played internationally this past season, suiting up for Team Canada East at the 2015 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Cobourg, Ontario. In five games, Jordan had a goal and two points as Canada East finished fourth. Last season was Donohue’s first in the BCHL as the Minnesota native came to the Vees from St. Thomas Academy, in his hometown of Mendota Heights. The blue-liner was limited to just 40 games in the regular season due to an injury but picked up a goal and 13 points. The Vees would like to thank Seamus for his contributions to the Vees last season and at the same time, would like to welcome Noah to the organization and to the South Okanagan.
Donaldson Commits To Powell River Kings:
The Powell River Kings are proud to announce the commitment of 1998-born Texas native and prep school standout Cameron Donaldson for the upcoming season. The 5’8’’ 160-pound forward has spent the past two seasons playing at The Gunnery Prep in Connecticut, racking up 43 goals and 39 assists in 60 games. He was far and away the leading scorer at The Gunnery this season with 50 points, becoming the first player to score 50 points in a season since 2009-10. His play helped The Gunney to a staggering 26-7-1 record this season. He is also already committed to play at Cornell University alongside fellow Kings Tristan Mullin and Kyle Betts. “I’m really excited to create a relationship with those two before we go to college,” Donaldson said. “I’m a small forward but I’m quick and fast. I like to move around, make plays and score some goals. Kent told me he wants me to be really offensive minded and play with speed.” Kings head coach and general manager Kent Lewis is thrilled to be able to add Donaldson to his lineup for this season. “It’s simple; skill, speed and feistiness. That’s what we like about him,” Lewis said. “He’s a versatile guy that can play all situations for us.” Donaldson’s commitment adds to the list of highly-offensive players the Kings have brought in for the 2016-17 season. Kings fans can get their first look at Donaldson, along with the rest of the Kings when the team hits the ice for training camp in August.
Spruce Kings Name Brown New Trainer:
The Prince George Spruce Kings are excited to announce the hiring of Rick Brown as the team’s Athletic Trainer starting next season. Rick Brown is from Prince George and most recently had been the Athletic Trainer for the Cariboo Cougars for the past four seasons. “We’re thrilled that Rick was interested in coming on board with us. I’ve gotten to know Rick over the past few years because he was always willing to lend a hand at any of our camps. He’s a great person who really prides himself in his relationships with the players. It is extremely important in today’s game and with today’s players that they feel a sense of comfort with the staff. Rick will bring that to the rink every day. His knowledge regarding the player’s medical and other needs is also very good, making Rick a great fit for the Spruce Kings organization” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. Rick Brown and the rest of the Spruce Kings staff continue to prepare for the upcoming season. The team’s main training camp will begin on August 25th at The Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
Gleekel Commits To Merritt:
The Merritt Centennials announced on Thursday the signing of 18-year-old forward Cade Gleekel. Gleekel is from Minneapolis, Minnesota and has played the last two seasons for Benilde-St. Margaret’s. Prior to 2014-15, he spent two seasons playing high school hockey for Blake School. “We are very happy to add Cade to our roster for the upcoming year. With us losing some scoring last season, we feel Cade will help us in that department. He’s a good-sized, right shot centreman who played very well for a very good team at Benilde-St. Margaret’s,” said Cents GM and Head Coach Joe Martin. “I believe when the regular season rolls around, Cade Gleekel will be an impact player in Merritt.” Gleekel is a highly regarded forward who was among the finalists for this year’s Minneapolis “Mr Hockey” Award, named a First Team All-Metro by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and All-State by the Associated Press. He was also chosen as the 80th male winner of the Hy Truman/Donald Goldberg Memorial Award, given to the most outstanding senior Jewish scholar-athlete in Minneapolis area. Gleekel was the Red Knights leading scorer in 2015-16 with 58 points, including 22 goals (7 of which were game-winners). He averaged 1.30 points-per-game during his US high school hockey career, tallying 171 points (78 goals, 93 assists) in 132 games.
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