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:

Smoke Eaters Look To Benefit From Nothern Exposure:

The Trail Smoke Eaters were pleased with its new prospects after wrapping up its camp in Whitehorse. Over 100 years ago, thousands of would-be prospectors headed north to the Yukon in search of gold, and the tradition continued earlier this month when Trail Smoke Eaters staff journeyed to Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital, mining for of a different kind of bounty. Smoke Eaters head coach and GM Cam Keith, director of hockey and business operations Craig Clare, and operations manager Steve Robinson made the trip north where they evaluated about 60 players over the three-day spring camp and came away impressed with the talent and richer for the experience. “We 100 per cent want to come back,” Robinson told the Whitehorse Star. “Overall the talent level was higher than we expected.” For the Smoke Eaters, the northern foray was to scout out a largely untapped talent source and identify potential players not only for the BCHL team, but for the Major Midget Kootenay Ice and the KIJHL’s Beaver Valley Nitehawks as well. “We didn’t know what to expect, but we already knew there were some players up there, and that’s one of the reasons why we wanted to go there,” said Clare. “We did a little bit of research and not a lot of teams went there – and when I say not a lot – no one.” The camp consisted of a Pee Wee, Bantam, and Spring Camp age groups with a scout from the Nitehawks also in attendance. The younger groups focused on drills to enhance their skills, but for the older groups it was full-on scrimmage for three straight days. “We had three different groups, and it was competitive,” said Clare. “All in all the talent level was good, we found some new prospects, and we’ll probably be inviting a couple to main camp here.” For players growing up and playing hockey in the Yukon’s isolated communities, a lack of competition and exposure to junior and college scouts pose a very real disadvantage. By running the camp, the Smoke Eaters offered players a rare and exciting opportunity. “A lot of these players, they are just looking for an opportunity, because not a lot of opportunities come to them, they have to work pretty hard for it. I think it worked really well, we got a lot of support from Yukon minor hockey and the Whitehorse players.” Hockey Yukon president Carl Burgess told the Star that the Smoke Eater Camp was a good opportunity for the boys to see how the prospects camp (for birth years 1998 to 2002) works. “It takes the mystique out of it when it’s their turn,” said Burgess. The Smoke Eaters also viewed its first trip north as a learning experience. Changing the date so it doesn’t coincide with the May long weekend, adding a goalie session, and facilitating and increasing players attendance from other northern communities in Alaska and N.W.T. are on the list. “I think it was a little bit of trial and error,” added Clare. “They were feeling us out to see what kind of camp we’d put on, and it went very well, and the response we got back was very positive. I think early in the season we’ll be putting in plans to head back up. “It was good for us to go up there and see. You get locked into the Lower Mainland and Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Kootenay, which we will always be (locked in), but to see what’s out there is great.”

Langley Rivermen - Eligible Returnees and Graduating Players:

Graduating Players

Ryan Barrow (University of Denver)
Frank Boie (College of the Holy Cross)
Andrew Dumaresque (College of the Holy Cross)
Bo Didur (Penn State University)
Cameron Ginnetti (Clarkson University)
Max Kaufman (University of Vermont)
Gavin Payne (Rochester Polytechnic University)
Reid Yochim (Princeton University)
Zac Masson (aged out)
Cooper Leitch (aged out)

Eligible Returnees

(* indicates an open spot - assuming the team goes with 13 forwards and 8 defencemen)

Forwards

Satchel Clendenin (97)
Eric Butte (97)
Nicholas Ponak (97)
Baylee Wright (98)
Angus Crookshank (99)
Sean Gulka (00)
Brendan Budy (00)
*
*
*
*
*
*

Defencemen

McKay Flanagan (97)
John Schuldt (97)
Spencer Berry (98)
Jake Livingstone (99)
*
*
*
*

Goaltenders

Braedon Fleming (99)
*

Salmon Arm-Grande Prairie Trade:

1-Jun-17 The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Sam MacBean(98)(D) from the Grande Prairie Storm of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations.

Penticton-Brooks Trade:

Jun. 1, 2017 The Brooks Bandits trade Charlie Marchand to Penticton (BCHL) - completion of Oct 29, 2016 trade.

AGM News & Notes:

The BCHL held its annual general meeting last week in Richmond, B.C. and have decided on several initiatives that will take place for the coming season. First, the league confirmed the results of a motion voted on prior to the AGM that sees the Wenatchee Wild move to the Interior Division for 2017-18 season. The Wild competed in the Mainland Division for the past two seasons. The league has entered into a partnership agreement that will see each of its players undergo base-line concussion tests prior to participating in league games. The initial testing will be completed at the 2017 Bauer BCHL Showcase. When new players join the league, they will be tested prior to competing in their first game. The partnership is part of the BCHL’s ongoing efforts to ensure player safety. The BCHL renewed its commitment to an existing partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association of B.C. (CMHA BC) via its Talk Today Program where each team has a CMHA liaison who provides referrals to mental health and addictions support. Additional resources have been committed to the Ultimate Toolkit program for fan engagement and ticket sales. The initial phase of the program, in place for the 2017 BCHL playoffs, saw an increase in attendance of close to 24 per cent over the 2016 playoffs. Also, BCHL clubs will be pursuing upgrades to their broadcast systems to get high-definition video for pay-per-view customers on HockeyTV. Several BCHL teams had HD in place last season and the goal is to have all arenas with upgraded cameras for 2017-18. The dates for the 2017 Bauer BCHL Showcase are Sept. 20 to 24 at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. All games this year will take place on the arena’s main sheet of ice. The board of governors is also fully in support and looking forward to the first-ever BCHL Exposure Camp which is happening July 1 to 3 at Richmond Olympic Oval. The camp is at full capacity with 132 elite young hockey players and their families coming to learn from BCHL coaches and find out more about the Junior A – NCAA development path. Finally, the league named two individuals for excellence in the administrative and promotional aspects for the league. Wenatchee Wild governor David White was named Executive of the Year while Chilliwack Chiefs director of marketing Barry Douglas was named Marketer of the Year. The 2017-18 season will be the 56th for the BCHL. Details are still be finalized for the regular season schedule and it should be announced by the end of June.

Silverbacks Name Atkinson New Head Coach-Asst GM:

Salmon Arm Silverbacks ownership group is pleased to announce that Scott Atkinson (Calgary, Alberta) has been hired as the new Salmon Arm Silverbacks Head Coach & Asst GM. “We are very excited for Scott to lead this veteran group in our quest for a National Championship this season” stated GM Troy Mick. We have a great core coming back and with the future considerations from the trade deadline deals we were looking for a veteran coach to lead them. Scott brings a wealth of coaching to Salmon Arm including his Master of Science in Physical Education and has been a winner wherever he has coached as evident of his 5 National Championships. Relentless in helping his players succeed both on-and-off the ice. Scott does with enthusiasm, integrity, and sincerity. “I would like to thank President and General Manager Troy Mick and the Silverback ownership group for giving me the opportunity to coach the Salmon Arm team.” It is a great honour and privilege to join such a prestigious organization and league. “I am very excited to begin our quest toward BCHL and national championships.” Stated Coach Atkinson. I would be amiss not to mention the exceptional job Misko Antisin and his staff did in building and developing the team last year, they have left us in a very favourable position. “My wife and I are also extremely excited about joining the Salmon Arm community at large.” It has long been our favourite holiday destination in the summer. So for us it is a dream come true, from both the professional and personal perspectives. Finally I would like to thank the Edge School Board of Directors & the Administration staff and to the many student-athletes and their families who showed their confidence in me by allowing me to coach them. It has been a privilege. I wish all of you and the Edge all of the very best in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the family, Edge Maroon will always be an integral part of me. Go Mountaineers!

2009- present: EDGE School for Athletes

Head Hockey Coach – Boys Prep Team

Over-All Team Winning Percentage: .801

• McPherson Tournament Bronze Medallists
• World Sports School Games – Gold Medallists
• CSSHL League Champions 5 of 8 years
• Ranked consistently in the top 10 Midget/Prep programs nationally

2001-2009 University of Calgary – Men’s Hockey Head Hockey Coach

Over-All Team Winning Percentage: .526

• Advanced to the Canada West Semi-Finals for seven straight years
• Five of nine years the University of Calgary finished in the top ten in CIS National Rankings Poll

1991-2001 Mount Royal College Head Hockey Coach

Over-All Winning Percentage: .731

• Alberta College Conference Gold Medalists 6 times
• Alberta College Conference Silver Medalists 2 times
• Alberta College Conference Bronze Medallists 2 times
• Canadian College Athletic Association Gold Medallists 5 times
• Ranked consistently in the top 10 College programs nationally

Anhorn Commits To Prince George Spruce Kings:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are very happy to announce the commitment of Dylan Anhorn to their roster for the 2017/2018 season. Dylan Anhorn is a 1999 born defenseman who hails from Calgary Alberta and was team captain for the prestigious Calgary Buffaloes Midget AAA team last season.  Dylan tallied 5 goals and 20 assists for 25 points in 31 games played for the Buffaloes during league play in the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL). “We are excited to have Dylan join the Spruce Kings for the upcoming season. Dylan is a high character person and dedicated student of the game who will have an impact both on and off the ice. He is an exceptionally smart defensemen and has the ability to read the play well and exit the puck efficiently. Dylan brings an offensive prowess that will allow him to be a contributor in all areas of the game” said Spruce Kings Head Coach Adam Maglio. Dylan will join his new Spruce Kings teammates when the team begins their main training camp on Thursday August 24th at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.

Grizzlies Name Clark Captain For 2017-18 Season:

The Victoria Grizzlies have wasted little time in announcing their captain for the 2017-18 season, handing the coveted ‘C’ to power forward Lucas Clark. The 20-year-old Port Perry, Ont., native will be entering his second B.C. Hockey League season with the Island Division champions. “Clark is a do-it-all type of forward who is smart defensively, tough and hard to play against, works extremely hard in games and practices — and he is a very good offensive player on top of that. You can’t ask for much more in a forward,” Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon said. Didmon expects the six-foot-two, 210-pound centre to play a big role for the team next season. With that comes an expectation to provide solid offensive numbers as well as leadership. Clark recorded 17 goals and 26 assists in 57 regular-season games in 2016-17. He added four goals and four assists in 17 playoff games. He played mostly on an all-rookie line with Calgary product Jamie Rome and local Cam Thompson. The three combined for 50 goals and 121 points. Rome is one of several candidates to become an assistant captain, to be named at a later date. “Clark and Rome together are two big power forwards who bring speed and physicality,” said Didmon. “Thompson is a smart and physical player as well. They all bring a 200-foot game to the table and all three have a knack for putting the puck in the net.” Clark replaces graduated defenceman Cody Van Lierop as captain. P.J. Conlon wore the ‘C’ the year before as the Grizzlies have gone through five captains in five years. The last three have hailed from Ontario. “For me to be captain is a huge honour and at the same time, I know it comes with a ton of responsibility,” Clark said. “I look forward to the challenge of rallying the great group of guys playing on this hockey club and continuing to build on this strong core of a team, where everyone has the same mindset — that goal of winning an RBC Cup,” added Clark, who will play his final year of junior eligibility, hoping to continue on to minor pro.

West Kelowna-Salmon Arm Trade:

Salmon Arm Silverbacks general manager Troy Mick today announced the team has traded forward Matt Kowalski (acquired from Nanaimo Clippers from Future Considerations from the Josh Blanchard deal) for Salmon Arm’s very own Logan Mostat from the West Kelowna Warriors. Mostat from Salmon Arm, BC had 18 goals and 24 assists in 60 games this past season with the Surrey Eagles & the West Kelowna Warriors. The 5’10 ft 180 lbs forward also had 43 Penalty minutes. The smooth skating forward will be looking forward to playing his last year of junior hockey in front of friends and family at the Shaw Centre. “Logan has taken huge strides the past 2 years in his development and we are looking forward to seeing him excel in the Silverbacks jersey” says GM Troy Mick. He plays with passion and an edge that the fans will love and will be a good addition to our offense while he pursues his NCAA dreams. “I am very excited to be apart of the Silverbacks organization and to play in front of friends and family in my hometown this season. I can’t wait to get the year going, it’s going to be a great one.” Stated Mostat.