BCHL News & Trades:
Alberni Valley-Merritt Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce the acquisition of 1998-born goaltender Colten Lancaster from the Merritt Centennials in return for 1997-born forward Alex MacDonald and future considerations. Lancaster is a two-year BCHL veteran who posted a 5-15-0 record in 24 appearances for the Centennials last season. Despite his modest win-loss record, the 19-year old finished 11th amongst qualifying BCHL goaltenders in goals-against average (3.04) and ninth in save-percentage (.913). He was also named a Three Stars selection on 11 separate occasions. “Colten is a quality young man who has already proven himself to be a very capable BCHL goaltender during his two seasons in Merritt,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “We feel that he’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential and we look forward to seeing his continued development and growth into an elite netminder while in a Bulldogs’ uniform.” Before joining the Centennials, Lancaster spent his 16-year old season playing under Hughes on the U18 Prep team at Pursuit of Excellence. “I’m very excited to be coming to Alberni Valley; the town is beautiful and they are known for their amazing fans,” says Lancaster, who describes himself as calm and efficient between the pipes. “I look forward to playing for the Bulldogs and have high hopes for what the team achieve this season. I feel that all individual success starts with the guys in front of me. When the team does well that’s when individuals start to have success and if we can keep that in mind we have a great opportunity to make it to playoffs and see where it goes from there.” “I’ve had the opportunity to play for Matt Hughes before and found him to be an unreal coach and a very honest, straightforward guy. I really cannot wait to play for him again.” Lancaster will take the ice with his new teammates when the Bulldogs begin their main training camp on Monday, August 21st at Weyerhaeuser Arena.
Chilliwack-Welland Trade:
The Chiefs continue to add to their 2017-18 roster with the acquisition of 18 year old forward Ryan Miotto from the Welland Jr. Canadians of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. Miotto was the GOJHL’s Rookie of the Year last season, putting up 27 goals and 44 assists in 48 games. “Chilliwack is a great city, with loyal fans and a great coaching staff,” said Miotto. “I’m excited for the opportunity to play with and against great players. I look forward to developing both as a hockey player and a person while with the Chiefs.” Miotto comes to Chilliwack having already secured an NCAA scholarship for Canisius College beginning in 2019. Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Jason Tatarnic says the Chiefs are adding a player who not only possesses an offensive skill set but also a player with character. “Ryan is a skilled player that will add offense to our line-up. He has great vision and comes with junior experience. Obviously as a staff we want to add talent to our team but we know we are adding a high character. We are excited to have Ryan join our team and we are looking forward to getting him ready for Division one program in Canisius College.”
Vees & Bell Media Announce Five Year Broadcasting Deal:
The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce a five year exclusive radio broadcast rights agreement that sees EZ Rock Penticton deliver live radio broadcast coverage of every Vees game through the 2022-2023 season. Live coverage is available on AM 800 in the Penticton Area, as well as via live streaming through the station’s official website and the iHeartRadio app. As part of the new agreement, EZ Rock Penticton delivers every Penticton Vees game, including all regular season and playoff games, as well as daily reports and comprehensive news coverage focusing on the team. Live game broadcasts are led by Penticton Vees radio voice Craig Beauchemin, alongside EZ Rock’s Scott Austin, who provides analysis. “This new agreement further solidifies our strong relationship with the Penticton Vees, a team with a passionate fan base and a rich history in the community of Penticton,” said Ken Kilcullen, General Manager, British Columbia Interior, Bell Media Radio. “The Vees are a key part of EZ Rock Penticton’s programming lineup, and we are proud to be the team’s exclusive radio home. We look forward to sharing all the excitement surrounding the team for years to come.” “We are thrilled to extend and grow our great partnership with Bell Media,” said David Michaud, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Penticton Vees. “With live broadcasts of every game in addition to wide-ranging news coverage on EZ Rock Penticton, Vees fans will be able to follow the team’s every move, all season long.” The Penticton Vees kick off their 2017-18 season on Sept. 8 when they take on the Merritt Centennials.
Prince George-Drayton Valley Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings would like to announce they have acquired 1997 defenceman Nick Sutter from the Drayton Valley Thunder of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in exchange for 1998 defenceman Sam De Melo. The 6’2” 210 pound Sutter is from Spruce Grove, Alberta. Sutter started his junior career with the Olds Grizzlys in the 2015/16 season posting four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 44 games. He would duplicate the feat last year with the Drayton Valley Thunder again scoring four goals and 10 assists in 44 games. Sutter played his midget hockey for the St. Alberts Raiders where in two seasons he had five goals and 12 assists in 60 games. Sam De Melo was acquired last offseason in a trade from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. In his first year with the Spruce Kings, the Kelowna native had two goals and 10 assists in 52 games. “We’re excited to add Nick to our team. He’s a big strong veteran defenceman who will provide leadership on and off the ice, and will be looked upon to be a steadying influence on our back end. A lot of our success last season started from our veteran defencemen. By adding Nick, we are closer to having our group of Dmen where we want it to be,” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. “We would also like to thank Sam for his time with our team. Sam is a great person and player, and he will be missed by our group” The Spruce Kings would like to welcome Nick and his family, and thank Sam for his time with the team, and wish him the best with the Thunder organization.
Around The Pound Episode 4
On May 6th 2017, Bulldogs volunteers held their first car wash. Thank you to all those who supported, donated, and let us wash your vehicles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhGR-iNslaE
Lamb Steps Down As CJHL Chairman:
The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Friday that Kirk Lamb has stepped down as Chairman of the national organization composed of the 10 leagues and 132 team Jr. A teams across the country and pockets of the U.S. Among his many duties during his tenure with the CJHL, Lamb was instrumental in the completion of the CJHL’s Partnership Agreement with Hockey Canada as well representing the CJHL on the National Hockey League’s Development Group. Lamb first joined the CJHL back in January of 2011 as volunteer chairman before being appointed into a full-time role in October of 2012. Along with his time with the CJHL, he has also practiced law for the past decade with the Calgary firm of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. An Alberta native, Lamb played Jr. A in the AJHL and is an alumnus of the CJHL, CHL, and NCAA where he went on attend and graduate from Princeton University before moving onto a minor pro career and eventually law school. As part of the transition, the CJHL has also announced that current president Brent Ladds will add the Chairman’s role to his duties, until further notice, as they work towards the commencement of the 2017-18 season. “We at the CJHL certainly regret Kirk’s decision to step down, however we are extremely grateful for the dedication, leadership and vision he brought in his role,” stated Ladds. “The entire CJHL would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Kirk for his time and extensive efforts he brought in fostering the growth of Jr. A hockey across the country and wish him nothing but continued success in all future endeavours,” added Ladds.
Prince George-Caledonia Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings would like to announce that they have acquired 19 year old defenceman Griffin Roubos from the Caledonia Pro-Fit Corvairs of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) in exchange for future considerations. The 6’1” 185 pound Roubos is from Stoney Creek, Ontario. Acquired midway through last season by the Corvairs, Roubos had a total of 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 43 games after starting the year with the Thorold Blackhawks. In 16 playoff games with Caledonia, the defenceman had three goals and eight assists for 11 points. Roubos was selected to play in the past two GOJHL Top Prospects games in 2015/16 and 2016/17. “We’re excited to add a dynamic player like Griffin to our team. Griffin is an excellent skater who sees the ice very well and will be looked upon to generate a lot of offense from our back end while still being defensively responsible. We’ve had a lot of success in recent years recruiting defencemen from this league with Adam Brubacher and Adam Burnett, and we feel confident Griffin will be the same kind of impact player for our team that those two were. He’s also a terrific young man who will blend in well with our existing group of players,” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. Griffin will be joining his new Spruce Kings teammates when the team begins training camp on August 24th in the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena
Chilliwack Chiefs Sign Young & Lombardi:
The Chiefs today announced the addition of forwards Bobby Young (1998), Michael Lombardi (1998) as well as defenseman Sean Thomson (1998) for the 2017-18 season. The two were teammates last season at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. Thomson, who calls Beaconsfield Quebec home joins the Chiefs after scoring eight goals and 27 assists in 34 games last season. He was also the team’s captain and is excited to be making the move to Chilliwack. “I am extremely excited to be a part of the Chiefs family for this upcoming season. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to play for a great organization in a great league and I can’t wait for the season to start.” In 34 games last season at Kimball Union Young, who hails from Kitchener Ontario scored 12 goals and added 31 assists and is also looking forward to making the move west. “I am excited and honored to become a member of the Chilliwack Chiefs organization. I can’t wait to get the season started.” Lombardi comes to Chilliwack with an NCAA commitment already locked up. The native of Barrington Rhode Island will attend Quinnipiac University after a season with the Chiefs. In 39 games with Kimball Union last season, Lombardi scored 19 goals and added 32 assists. “I couldn’t be more excited and thankful to be apart of a great organization and community like Chilliwack,” said Lombardi. “I’m excited to get a chance to build upon the winning tradition in Chilliwack.’
Haircut At A Vees Game?
Penticton Vees Survey:
The Atlanta Hawks basketball team announced that you can start getting haircuts at Phillips Arena. Would you get a cut during a Penticton Vees game at the South Okanagan Events Centre?
154 votes Final results
40%Yes, that's cool
60%No, I'm good
MJHL Adding Player Fees This Season:
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League will introduce a player development fee for the 2017-18 season, according to league sources. It’s a move sources say that will allow for the league to better advertise itself during its annual showcase, bringing in more scouts and more attention to the event. The move will also help provide better health and dental benefits for the league’s 250-plus players. The league has yet to officially announced the the development fees, which are said to be set at $500 per player, but sources say it is a move that has been in the works for a while. The league will take in just under $130,000. The Sun reached out to MJHL commissioner Kim Davis, but he is away on holidays until July 24 and declined to comment. The change is welcomed news for some in the league, including the Neepawa Natives. “It has a lot of advantages for the players, a lot of increased benefits for the players, and something our board, our team, was in favour of,” said Neepawa Natives board member, Ken Waddell. “It’s a move that was made to make the league more attractive for current and potential future players.” But not everyone is a fan. Doug Hedley, head coach and general manager of the OCN Blizzard, wishes the league would have grandfathered in the fees. “You’re now asking kids who have been in the league for two or three years to start paying $500,” Hedley said on Tuesday. “They should have eased into the situation over a two- or three-year period.” Hedley said he will take a wait-and-see approach. “It’s over $120,000 in their league’s coffers,” he said. “As long as the league uses the money to develop the player and the league as a place to play, with educational consultants, promotional videos on every player, nutritional conferences – whatever it is. Anything the league can do to develop a player.” It takes a certain type of player to come play in OCN, Hedley said, and charging fees won’t help recruiting. Hedley thinks the league will likely lose players to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, who don’t charge per-player fees. “It’s tough,” he said. “We try to do as much as we can for them, but charging them an extra $500 certainly doesn’t make it easy for them. We’re definitely not in favour of it.” The MJHL joins the British Columbia Hockey League, who charge team registration fees for carded players up to a maximum of $800 at the team’s discretion, and a further $100 per showcase game per player. The Alberta Junior Hockey League and SJHL in Saskatchewan do not charge players to play. To the east, the Superior International Junior Hockey League operates under a player fee system, with a minimum fee of $750 and a max of $4,500. The Northern Ontario Hockey League charged players $1,136 for their league schedule of 54 games in 2016 and an additional $350 to play in the league’s showcase.
Chiefs Sign Slick, Pickering & Ormon:
For the second consecutive day the Chiefs announced the addition of three player to their 2017-18 roster. 18 year old defenseman Matt Slick joins the Chiefs from Proctor Academy in Andover New Hampshire. As the team’s captain last year, Slick scored nine goals and 29 assists. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Chiefs,” said Slick. “After speaking with Coach Tatarnic, I knew that Chilliwack was the right place for me to play. I’m excited for the opportunity to play for such a storied franchise with immense support from the community. I can’t wait to get started and begin working towards an RBC championship.” Coming to the Chiefs via Northwood Academy in Lake Placid New York are teammates Kaden Pickering and Nick Ormon. Ormon, a 1998 born defenseman from Halifax Nova Scotia put up four goals and 19 assists in 42 games at Northwood last season. Ormon can’t wait to get things started in his new home. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to not only play for a first class organization like the Chiefs, but to also be able to represent and live in such a good hockey town like Chilliwack. August can’t come soon enough.” Pickering, a 19 year old forward from Madrid New York will bring an offensive game to Chilliwack. In 50 games last year at Northwood he scored 24 goals and added 23 assists. That comes after a 29 goal 29 assists performance the season prior at Northwood. Pickering, who has secured a scholarship to St. Lawrence University for the 2018-19 season is excited to put on a Chiefs jersey. “I’m happy to be a part of a truly first class organization for the upcoming season. Chilliwack is a great hockey town with an unreal fan base. Can’t wait to get things started and looking forward to becoming a Chief. ”
Grizzlies Open Regular Season On The Road:
The semi-annual threat of Mann Cup lacrosse games being played at their home in September will once again force the Victoria Grizzlies on the road for most of the first month of the 2017-18 B.C. Hockey League season. The defending Island Division-champion Grizzlies will play their first six regular season games away from The Q Centre as the Victoria Shamrocks go on their quest for another Western Lacrosse Association championship and the right to host the Mann Cup national championship series. The Grizzlies will open their season with a pair of games in Powell River against the Kings on Sept. 8-9. That will be followed by games in Port Alberni against the Bulldogs (Sept. 15) and in Nanaimo against the Clippers (Sept. 16). The next two Grizzlies games will be at the annual Bauer BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack. The Grizzlies will face the Prince George Spruce Kings on Sept. 23 at Prospera Centre, turn around and face the Coquitlam Express the next day, again at the home of the Chiefs. “It’ll be a tough start, but at the same time it’ll be good for the team to face some adversity early,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon. “And we have a strong veteran group coming back so we’ll be ready.” The Grizzlies’ home opener is set for Sept. 29 when the Vernon Vipers pay a visit to The Q Centre. That will be followed by a Sept. 30 date with the visiting Langley Rivermen. “It will be good to finally get home because the Island Division will be really strong this year,” added Didmon. “Powell River is always a good program, Nanaimo and Cowichan have good groups returning, and Alberni has a new coach and will be out to prove something.” Victoria wraps up the regular season campaign with a pair of home games against Alberni Valley on Feb. 22 and the Surrey Eagles on Feb. 25. The BCHL playoffs begin March 2. Meanwhile, Didmon is busy retooling his roster for the upcoming season and on Wednesday he added another piece to his blue-line corp. The Grizzlies acquired the rights to 20-year-old defenceman Matt Doran from the Coulee Region Chill of the North American Hockey League. Doran, from St. Louis, Missouri, brings 150 games of junior hockey experience to Victoria, and last season had 34 points in 55 games for the Chill. “I like the way he plays the game,” said Didmon. “He is a physical guy and skilled and he competes hard.” The Grizzlies open training camp Aug. 21 and that will be followed by seven preseason games.
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