BCHL News & Trades:
Wild Name Lenerville Director Of Sales & Marketing:
The Wenatchee Wild have been busy this offseason with a restructuring of the front office, and the organization is pleased to welcome their latest addition, Katie Lenerville who will serve as the Director of Sales and Marketing. Lenerville spent the last three seasons working with the Rapid City Rush of the ECHL. It was there that she encountered Tim Hill, who joined the Wild this offseason as GM of Business Operations. “When Tim approached me in regards to moving to Washington I knew right away that’s where I wanted to be. Not only do I have friends and family there but this is my chance to help a team at the junior level.” For Hill, bringing Katie to the Valley was a priority. “We are very excited to have Katie join the Wild family”, Hill stated. “Her energetic personality, customer service commitment, and impressive experience made her a key component when putting our new front office staff together.” He added, “We are extremely lucky to have her!” After graduating high school in her hometown of Dickinson, ND, Lenerville attended Association Free Lutheran Bible School in Plymouth, MN where she played on the varsity basketball team for two seasons, winning an NCCA National Championship. She later attended UC Irvine to pursue a science degree before moving to Rapid City in 2013. “Hockey has always been part of my life”, Lenerville explains. “My Dad attended UND (University of North Dakota) so when I moved to Minnesota, we would always give each other a hard time about which school had better hockey.” Ironically, it was in Southern California that her love for the game caught fire. “I met (Anaheim Ducks star) Teemu Selanne and he gave me tickets to a Ducks game and that’s when I first really starting following hockey.” Lenerville joins Hill, along with new Office Manager Nadine Lemons and Director of Media Relations and broadcaster Arch Ecker in a new-look Wild front office committed to continuing to grow the game and the Wild franchise here in central Washington. She’s expected to arrive in Wenatchee in mid-July. The Wenatchee Wild organization is excited for the growth and positive changes on the horizon this season.
Viegas Returning As Silverbacks Trainer:
“Jade is one of the best in the business and we could not be any happier that she is returning to the Backs” stated Troy Mick. She is an amazing talent on and off the ice and an integral part of our team. “We are extremely excited Jade will be returning for another season. Jade is a true professional and we are lucky to have her here in Salmon Arm. Our players health and wellness is in good hands for another season”stated Silverbacks Head Coach Brandon West. Backs main camp opens Aug 22 and stay tuned for the release of the 2016-2017 schedule this week.
Steele & King Commit To Alberni Valley Bulldogs:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are please to announce the signing of two new forwards for the 2016-17 season. Ryan Steele, a 6’2, 185lb, centerman from Stratford, PEI comes to the Bulldogs from The Holderness School, which is located in New Hampshire. This past season Steele scored 46 points (23 goals and 23 assists) in 29 games. Steele is a very strong skater and someone who can play a strong 200-foot game while adding size and depth to Bulldogs offensive core. “I’m very excited to be a part of a great organization like Alberni Valley,” says Steele. “I look forward to working with my new coaches and teammates. I know it is a place where we will find lots of individual and team success.” The Bulldogs would also like to welcome George King, a native of Calgary, AB to the team. King ended last season with the Cochrane Generals in the Heritage Junior Hockey League. King scored 14 points (5 goals and 9 assists) in 7 regular season games. After a long playoff run, the Generals eventually bowed out in the HJHL finals. King who stands at 6feet, 175 lbs, is a gritty and speedy winger who has also spent time in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (38 games). “I am excited to join a great organization and great community,” says King. “Alberni has made a tradition of being a good team on and off the ice and I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute in any way possible.” Both Steele and King will join the Bulldogs for their Main Camp, which opens August 22nd at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
Langley-Prince George Trade:
The Langley Rivermen have acquired Nic Ponak from the Prince George Spruce Kings for future considerations.
Kings Name Beauchemin New Broadcaster:
The Powell River Kings are very pleased to announce, Craig Beauchemin will join the Powell River Kings as Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations for the 2016/2017 Season. Craig will begin his journey with us when he arrives in the late summer. Although we are sad to see Alex Rawnsley leave us, we are excited to welcome Craig to the Kings Family. Craig comes to the Kings with more than 4 years of experience, having recently done the play-by-play for the Battleford North Starts in the SJHL. He completed his Radio Broadcasting program in 2012 and then completed his Post-graduate Sports Journalism program in 2013. Craig has some big shoes to fill here with the Kings and is up for the challenge. “I am excited to come out to the Coast and work in the best junior league in the country,” says Craig who can’t wait to get started. Craig will be making media posts throughout the summer to keep everyone up-to-date with any announcements. Join us to celebrate Craig’s arrival at our Ice Breaker Event in September and to meet our 2016/2017 Team.
Vilio Commits To Surrey Eagles:
The Surrey Eagles have added to their defensive unit by announcing that Elijah Vilio has committed to the team for the upcoming 2016-17 BCHL season. The 19-year-old Vilio played last season with the Aldergrove Kodiaks of the PJHL, where he recorded 14 points in 36 games. Vilio is a puck-moving and playmaking defenceman, who is also very sound defensively. One of his best attributes is his skating ability, which should be very useful on the Olympic-sized ice surface at the South Surrey Arena. His 6-foot, 175 pound frame means that he also does not shy away from the physical side of the game. He hasn’t always been a defenceman, either – switching to the new position just last year. It’s safe to say that it was a positive transition, and he has found a new home on the back end. Although he is a native of Aldergrove, BC, he does have a connection to the Surrey area. “I really wanted to play in Surrey because of the larger ice surface,” Vilio said, when reached for a comment. “My dad was born and raised in Surrey, and my grandparents and many of my relatives currently live there. I’m very familiar with the area, and it should be a great place to play hockey.” Jumping from the PJHL to the BCHL will be a challenge, but it’s one that he looks forward to at this point in his career. He’ll be working all offseason to prepare himself for the physicality of the league. “The players are going to be bigger and faster,” Vilio commented. “I have to be ready to use my skating and playmaking ability to my advantage.” Vilio is also an accomplished roller hockey player. He won a bronze medal with Team Fraser Valley at the 2012 BC Summer Games, which was held in Surrey. He will also be playing for Team Canada’s U18 team at the AAU Junior Olympics in Hawaii later this summer. “I want nothing more than to win with the Eagles,” Vilio asserted. “I’m going to work extremely hard in the offseason to make sure I can contribute.”
Prince George-Kindersley Trade:
19 year old forward Jordan Funk was traded to The Kindersley Klippers of The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) in exchange for future considerations.
City Of Chilliwack To Host 2018 Royal Bank Cup:
With great anticipation, representatives of the Chilliwack 2018 bid committee announced that Hockey Canada has verbally confirmed Chilliwack will host the 2018 RBC Cup National Junior A Championship. Though contracts are yet to be signed, the local committee wanted to share the community’s ‘win’ and expressed its great appreciation to dedicated Chiefs hockey fans and Chilliwack businesses for their ongoing support. Brian Minter, Board Chair of Tourism Chilliwack, said, “Our most sincere thank you to the entire RBC Cup bid committee for its creative and thoughtful presentation to the final decision makers of this important event. From a tourism perspective, we very much appreciate being part of this committee and the bidding process. Not only will this event bring a significant degree of prestige to our community, but the economic benefits will also be immense. We look forward to hosting this event with a high level of professionalism and community participation. It is a proud moment for Chilliwack.” The RBC Cup is an annual ice hockey competition that determines the Canadian Junior A champion. It is played under the supervision of Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Royal Bank of Canada is the title sponsor of both the tournament and the RBC Cup championship trophy. The bidding process to host the 2018 RBC Cup opened in October 2015. Representatives of Tourism Chilliwack, City of Chilliwack, Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe Management, Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Club, and other local businesses, worked tirelessly to engage the Chilliwack community in preparation for the bid. In an overwhelming show of support, Chilliwack residents took to social media to share with Hockey Canada that Chilliwack was ready to host the RBC Cup. Like-minded business owners and community leaders wrote letters of support for inclusion in the bid package. “This is a momentous occasion for both the Chilliwack community and the First Nations community,” said Squiala Chief David Jimmie, President of the Ts’elxweyeqw Tribe and Stó:lō Nation. “In a spirit of unity and passion, residents, businesses, and community members came together for this bid and will continue to work together to produce an outstanding sports and cultural event.” Following the successful bid, Chilliwack 2018 committee members credit the significant support from community leaders and local businesses and organizations for the success of the bid. “We are grateful to Hockey Canada for the opportunity to host this world-class event and share with the rest of Canada the community our Chiefs have called home for over two decades,” Glen Ringdal, President of Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Club and Prospera Centre, said. “I am excited by the partnerships we are developing in our community that, like in the success of our bid, will contribute to a successful and memorable Hockey Canada event.” In studies of previous RBC Cup events, the estimated economic impact was $2.8 million in Prince Edward Island with $1.9 million occurring in Summerside, the host city in 2013; and $3.1 million in economic activity in Manitoba with $2.2 million having occurred in the City of Dauphin in 2010. Accommodations are one way this economic activity is generated. For example, Dauphin’s 2010 event resulted in 2,250 overnight stays. The City of Chilliwack eagerly anticipates similar results. Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz said, “I want to thank the leaders of our City’s bid committee for their efforts and congratulate the people of Chilliwack on their part in securing this exciting event for our community. Hosting the 2018 RBC Cup presents an incredible opportunity for each of us to be involved in creating the economic and social benefits this championship will bring.” Now, once the contracts are signed, the Chilliwack 2018 host committee will work to recruit volunteers to lead and support the coordination of ticket sales, travel and accommodations, team services and experiences, marketing and promotions, and of course the execution of the eight-day tournament. Sports enthusiasts and community-minded individuals are encouraged to purchase game tickets, sponsorship packages, or to volunteer at the upcoming event. The framework for each of these processes will be released shortly. The RBC Cup National Junior A Championship is scheduled to be held at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack, May 12-20, 2018.
Spruce Kings Acquire Huber:
The Prince George Spruce Kings are pleased to announce the acquisition of 19 year old forward Jamie Huber from The Listowel Cyclones of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). The 5’10” 180 pound Huber is from Goderich Ontario. Last season with Listowel, Huber scored 33 goals and had 47 assists for 80 points to go along with 36 penalty minutes in 49 games played. “We are excited to add Jamie to our organization. He is a great young man and a very talented player. He will be a very big part of our group next season. His offensive numbers speak for themselves, but he is a complete player who will be able to play in all situations for us” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. “We are very excited that Jamie chose to become a Spruce King. He is a very skilled player with a high compete level. He is very determined and is willing to put in the hard work necessary to further his development. We are looking forward to him joining our team in August for our Main Camp” said Spruce Kings Head Coach Chad van Diemen. “I’m really excited to be joining the Spruce Kings. I think the organization is running a great program. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me and that I can help the team as an offensive presence. I connected with coach Chad very well and like the hard working philosophy they have in Prince George” said newly acquired Spruce Kings forward Jamie Huber. Jamie Huber will join the rest of his Spruce Kings team mates just prior to the start of the team’s main training camp on August 25th.
Warriors Name Rutigliano Captain:
The West Kelowna Warriors are pleased to officially announce that Nicholas Rutigliano will be named Team Captain for the 2016/2017 season. The 20-year-old defenceman from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts was clearly overjoyed after hearing the news. “I’m extremely excited, and it’s a tremendous honour to be selected Captain of the West Kelowna Warriors. I would like to thank the coaching staff and our owner for giving me the opportunity to wear the C. I’ve learned so much from previous players and teammates on what it takes to lead a team, most notably our captain last year Kyle Marino. After winning a National Championship the team is excited for another successful and great season!” said Rutigliano. Head Coach Rylan Ferster also believes he definitely has the right man for the job. “Nick has all the qualities to be a great leader. He carries himself like a pro on and off the ice.” The 6 foot 1 American D-man had 24 points in 58 regular season games in 2015/2016. The West Kelowna Warriors will begin the quest to defend their National Title with Rutigliano as their leader in early September. Schedule/banner raising announcements to come soon!
Smoke Eaters Announce Game Time Changes:
The Trail Smoke Eaters are leaning toward earlier start times for home games and announce the following changes for this season:
•All mid-week and Saturday night games will now start at 7:00 PM
•Sunday games will remain at 3:00 PM
•Friday night games will remain at 7:30 PM
The Smoke Eaters are hoping that the earlier start times will encourage younger families to attend the games.
Sinclair & Bunz Commit To Chiefs:
Chilliwack Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Jason Tatarnic today announced the addition of goaltender Mark Sinclair (1996) and defenseman Davis Bunz (1998). Sinclair was acquired from the Caledonia Corvairs of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. Last season with the Corvairs, Sinclair finished the regular season with a goals against average of 1.78 and a save percentage of 92.4 in forty games. In 19 playoff games he posted a save percentage of 92.3 and a goals against average of 1.86 as the Corvairs captured their third consecutive league championship. Bunz joins the Chiefs from Middleton High School in Wisconsin. Bunz, whose father Garry was a member of three BCHL teams during the early 1980’s finished last season with 23 goals and 18 assists in 24 games. On joining the Chiefs: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of this great organization and getting the season going. I know the BCHL is a very competitive league and the Chiefs are regarded as one of the top franchises to play for. I'm grateful for the opportunity.” Tatarnic on Sinclair: “Mark has been a proven winner for Caledonia and we feel he can do the same for us. All he has done the last two seasons is win and we are happy to give him the chance to do the same for us. Mark is a twenty year old and we felt we needed an older goaltender to complement our younger defence core this season. I watched him play live last season and I was impressed with him and I feel he will do a great job for us.” Tatarnic on Bunz: “Davis is an excellent skater and he will provide mobility on our backend. We feel Davis has all the makings to be a quality college player down the road. We’re happy to have him in Chilliwack as we build for the 2018 RBC Cup.”
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