BCHL News & Trades:
Bulldogs Name Campbell New Director of Business Operations:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have rounded out their Business Operations staff for the 2017/18 British Columbia Hockey League season with the addition of Tali Campbell, who joins the organization in the role of Director of Business Operations. Campbell will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the Hockey Club, providing support to many facets of the organization including financial management, sales & marketing, promotions and game-day events. “On behalf of the Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society, I’m excited to welcome Tali to Port Alberni and to the Bulldogs organization,” says team president Ron Paulson. “Tali is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and we expect him to be a tremendous asset for us in a number of areas that contribute to the overall success of our hockey club.” Campbell is no stranger to junior hockey or the BCHL, having worked previously for the Victoria Grizzlies and Nanaimo Clippers, as well as the VIJHL’s Oceanside Generals. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the Bulldogs to continue to build on this incredible fan base; it’s true when they say the Bulldogs have the best fans in the BCHL,” says Campbell. “My job right away is to get into the community, get involved and make sure the Bulldogs continue to thrive. I look forward to meeting all of our amazing fans, volunteers and sponsors and getting the season underway. Campbell will begin work immediately ahead of the 2017/18 season. The Bulldogs open main camp on Monday, August 21st and play their home opener on Friday, September 15th against the Victoria Grizzlies.
Vees Add New Mural To South Okanagan Events Centre:
The “Leaving a Legacy” painting outside the Penticton Vees dressing room at the SOEC recently had 2016-17 team captain Nicholas Jones added to it. Also in the painting hoisting the Fred Page Cup are the Vees three other BCHL championship team captains, from left: Brett Hextall (2007-08), Logan Johnston (2011-12) and Patrick Sexton (2014-15).
Albert Joins Chiefs:
Jason Tatarnic expected to see Luke Albert wearing an Alberni Valley Bulldog jersey this season. But things change. After the Dogs missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons, head coach Kevin Willison paid the price. Alberni Valley swung the axe April 17, setting off a chain of events that have re-routed the promising blueliner to Chilliwack. “I was out there (Alberni Valley) last summer and I was looking forward to going there, but having an opportunity to play in Chilliwack was something I couldn’t pass up,” Albert explained. “With the whole coaching change, I wasn’t too familiar with the new guy (Matt Hughes) and it didn’t feel like AV was the right spot for me anymore.” Released by the Bulldogs, the 18 year old Ontario native had a fall-back option. The USHL’s Cedar Rapids Roughriders drafted him in the 13th round (196th overall) of their 2017 draft, and it looked like he was heading to Iowa until Tatarnic intervened. “The first thing I did was give Alberni a call to make sure they’d parted ways with Luke, and Matt indicated that they had,” said Tatarnic, the head coach/GM of the Chiefs. “Then I talked to Luke and we went from there. “Fortunately, his prep school coach and I played junior hockey together, and that probably played a little part in it.” Albert spent the last three seasons at New Hampton School, a prep program in New Hampshire. His coach was Casey Kesselring. Kesselring and Tatarnic were long-ago teammates with the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox, SK. “That’s how I got in touch with Jason and Casey had a lot of good things to say about him,” Albert confirmed. “Our talks were brief in the beginning but then it got more in depth, and I started seriously considering it the last few weeks. “It made perfect sense to come here.” Tatarnic used the RBC Cup in his sales pitch and that resonated with the Ontario kid. “Not many people can say they’ve played in that tournament, so it’s going to be pretty awesome to do that,” Albert said. “A couple of my buddies won it last spring with Cobourg, and they say it’s something that changes your life. “To play in it and maybe win it would be life-changing for me.” Tatarnic also talked about what Albert’s potential role on the team might be. The D-man had 12 goals and 39 points in 37 outings last year, good production from a blueliner in any league. Eliteprospects.com has him listed at six-foot-two and 190 pounds and he says he’s in the gym five days a week. He skates well, has good vision and plays a solid two-way game. “We’ll see how it translates to his first year in our league, but it translated pretty well for (Colin) Bernard who was a 30 point guy for us last year,” Tatarnic said. “It’s possible for Luke to have success his first season. “It’ll be a learning curve, but he’s talented, he’ll adjust and I think he’ll be just fine.” It’d be really, really, really good for Tatarnic if Albert is a quick study. From the defensive corps that finished last season, only Bernard and 17 year old Powell Connor remain. Olivier Arseneau and Connor McCarthy graduated. Carver Watson’s gone back home to Wisconsin to play for the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers and Davis Bunz has joined the USHL’s Bloomington Thunder. “I think Luke can carry a lot of minutes and he has the potential to be a lead guy,” Tatarnic said. “We have a lot of first-year guys — Sean Thomson, Sean McCloskey, Nick Ormon, Matt Slick — but we had the same situation last year, and the success we had gives us confidence that we can bring these guys in and everything will be all right. “We just have to give them a little time.” Albert feels he’s up to the challenge and can’t wait to see what 2017-18 brings. “I want to grow as a person and player on and off the ice,” he said. “For sure I want to put up some points too, but most of all I want to win.”
Smokies Mascot Tryouts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAoNVQZITOs&feature=youtu.be
Centennials Name Shaw New Assistant Coach:
The Cents have bolstered their ranks again, this time behind the bench. Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin says he’s glad to welcome Brandon Shaw to the coaching staff from Barrie, Ontario. Shaw joins the Centennials after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Cambridge Winterhawks of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. During that time he’s also operated as a scout for the Cents and has helped them acquire players from the Ontario area. Martin says Shaw will help spread out the coaching duties evenly "He's going to be taking over the defensive part of the bench, and we'll move Matt to his more natural position up on forward, and then it gives me a chance to oversee the whole bench." The extra eyes and voice on the bench should help the Centennials during main camp which opens on August 21st.
Silverbacks Purchase Big Al’s House Of Hockey:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club are excited to announce that the company has purchased Big Al’s House of hockey at the Shaw Centre. The Hockey shop will now be known as the Maximum Edge Hockey Shop and will be open again for the season Aug 7th, 2017 which will also be opening day for the Salmon Arm Elite Power Skating & Hockey School at the Shaw Centre. The Maximum Edge skate sharpening system, which is world renowned and used by many NHL teams, will anchor the store. Stay tuned for more details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN6_l8uxDJU
Capitals Acquire Dery & Laroche:
The Cowichan Valley Capitals junior A hockey club is pleased to announce the acquisition of two players for the upcoming season: 19-year-old goalie Yann Dery and 18-year-old forward David Laroche, both having played last season with teams in the Quebec CEGEP Hockey League (QCHL), a junior-college league in the province. Dery, a 1998-born goalie, spent the past two seasons with the Rebelles du CEGEP de Sorel-Tracy, based in Sorel-Tracy, QC. This past season, Dery went 15-12 with a 2.34 goals-against average, .912 save-percentage and four shutouts. The native of Terrebonne, QC was also named to the QCHL all-star team last year. “He’s as acrobatic and athletic as I’ve ever seen a goaltender, and he’s very good technically,” said Lou Gravel, Capitals’ Director of Scouting and Recruiting in regards to Dery. “And off the ice… the best type of character kid you want to have on a hockey club.” Dery and Adam Marcoux, who will be entering his second season with the Capitals, give the Capitals two 19-year-old netminders in the crease. “That gives us a one-two punch,” Gravel said. “We’re going to have two guys that can play, which is a luxury.” Laroche, a 1999-born forward, played last year with the Cougars College Champlain-Lennoxville, who play in Sherbrooke, QC. As a 17-year-old last season, the Stoke, QC native Laroche tallied 13 goals and 26 points in 23 games, as well as a plus-10 rating. Among all forwards in the QCHL with at least 23 games played, Laroche was in the top-10 for points-per-game average. “We’re talking about a sniper here,” Gravel commented on Laroche. “He was on the top line with Champlain College; he’s a top-six guy for us in Cowichan. He’ll bring us some offense… he’s good all over the ice but his main attributes are speed and offense.” Both Dery and Laroche were first seen by the Capitals at the NHL pre-draft tournament in Boston this past spring. “When [Dery] played at the pre-draft tournament, he stood on his head – against college guys and QMJHL guys,” Gravel said. “[Laroche] played with and against guys who are already in the BCHL, and he stood out.”
One On One With Bulldogs Head Coach/GM Matt Hughes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lMcSq8fIYY&feature=youtu.be
Schedule Set For 2017 World Jr. A Challenge:
Team Canada East, the 2016 silver-medallists, will open this year’s tournament against Russia in prime time on Sunday, Dec. 10, when the World Junior A Challenge returns to Atlantic Canada this December. With ticket sales underway since April, the host organizing committee along with Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) have released the 2017 schedule and team pools for the event being hosted at the RECC in Truro. Joining Canada East in Group A are Russia and Switzerland, while Group B includes Team Canada West, the Czech Republic, and the United States. Canada West and the Czech Republic open their tournament at 3:30 p.m. AT on Dec. 10. “Confirming the schedule and teams really brings the event to life,” said Dave Hysen, manager of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “We’re still a few months away, and enjoying the summer sunshine, but for the local organizers and volunteers who are working tirelessly on making this a success for the town and county, this announcement really helps set things in motion as we hit the homestretch in the event’s preparations.”
Jang Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters:
The Trail Smoke Eaters announce the latest addition to their defensive lineup for the upcoming season. The Trail Smoke eaters are pleased to announce the commitment of local defenceman, Karsten Jang, who has played for the Beaver Valley NiteHawks the past two seasons. The 1998-born d-man will be familiar to Smoke Eaters fans, having played four games with the Smokies last season, in addition to suiting up for over 80 regular season games with the NiteHawks. The steady blueliner has shown continued progress in his game over the past few seasons and Head Coach, Cam Keith feels that he is ready to contribute in a regular capacity at the BCHL level. “Karsten’s development this past season playing for the Beaver Valley NiteHawks was amazing to witness. When given the opportunity, he proved himself as a solid Junior-A defensemen while playing games for us as an affiliate player. We are extremely excited to have another local player which brings character and pride to the Smoke Eater organization”, said Keith. Jang joins a strong local contingent of players who have graduated from our local hockey programs to play for the Trail Smoke Eaters. It is exciting to see so many players developing locally, both in minor hockey and with the local Junior-B teams, ready to take their game to the BCHL and hopefully continuing further. When asked for comment, Jang said, “I am beyond excited for the season to start and wear the Smoke Eaters jersey. It’s amazing to be able to play for your home town team and the one you grew up watching”. The entire organization would like to welcome Karsten to the team.
Dhaliwal One Of Twelve Potential Returnees For West Kelowna Warriors:
The West Kelowna Warriors are just 14 days away from hitting the ice for the 2017 version of Main Camp, free and open to the public with preseason games following shortly thereafter as they kick off the exhibition on Wednesday, August 23rd at RLP against the Penticton Vees, the first of six preseason contests. Parm Dhaliwal is one of twelve potential returnees for the Warriors in the upcoming 2017/18 season, some of which will be featured in a “Countdown to Warriors Hockey” leading up to the late August camp. The Surrey, B.C. native put up an impressive rookie season in 2016/17, scoring 6 goals and 29 points while adding 26 penalty minutes. Dhaliwal made an immediate impression on the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and NHL Central Scouting as he was selected to play in the CJHL Top Prospects Game in Cornwall, Ontario. The 18-year-old forward is looking to carry his experience as a rookie from last year into the beginning of this season, “Last year was a big jump for me from the Canadian Sport School League to the BCHL,” commented Dhaliwal, “The first month or so was hard for me to get used to the pace and playing with bigger, stronger and faster players. After that I kind of got into a rhythm and the veterans helped out the rookies a lot, which made for an easier transition.” Being a veteran and helping out younger players is something Dhaliwal is looking forward to in his sophomore season, “I want to contribute on helping the rookies learn the league and help making their first years a little bit easier and fun.” Offseason preparation is a key for every player at every level, especially when talking about junior hockey for developing not just physically, but mentally as well. The 5’11”, 185-pound centre got a better understanding on how to prepare for a grueling 7-plus month period of hockey, “Learning last year how fast the league is made me prepare even more this offseason to get ready for the season ahead by doing a lot of extra training.” Dhaliwal, like every player, expects the best out of themselves and has personal goals set for himself for 2017/18 which includes scoring some goals, “For me to have a successful year, I think I need to produce more on the scoring side and try to be point-per-game kind of player,” continued Dhaliwal, “Contributing more on the defensive side of the puck and winning a lot more faceoffs is a big factor for me as well.” Parm and the Warriors are set to hit the ice at Royal LePage Place for Main Camp on Monday, August 21st before the first preseason game on Wednesday, August 23rd at 7:00 PM at RLP against the Penticton Vees, tickets are just $5.
Svejkovsky Joins Wild:
He will celebrate his 16th birthday in November, but Lukas Svejkovsky has been playing with older players for years now, and welcomes the challenge as he joins the Wenatchee Wild this season. For the last three seasons, Svejkovsky has been playing in the Delta Hockey Academy in Delta, BC, Canada, with his father, Yogi, helping as a coach along the way. His point production has been noteworthy, exploding last season for 44 points in 22 games. “Delta was a great fit for my development over the past 3 years”, he says. “I think staying in the same environment with great coaches and committed teammates prepared me well for the next level.” He went on to add, “I’m very excited for the new opportunity in Wenatchee.” He came to Wenatchee for the June camp, and quickly felt comfortable. The young forward reveals, “I’ve always heard great things about the coaching staff here and I know I’m going to be in great hands. When I came for the camp I realized right away that this is where I want to play because of the fantastic organization. I know I’m surrounded by great teammates, and the fans here are unbelievable!” His goals for the season and beyond are simple. “I think with the team we have we can go far and I’m going to try to contribute as much as I can to help the team win, and hopefully win a championship.” At 5’ 8.5” and 145 lbs., Svejkovsky is clear about the type of player he is, and strives to be. “My identity as a player has always been to create offense by being on the puck, so that’s definitely what I’m going to try to continue this year”, he declares. “I want people to see my speed and skill, and also playing solid defensively.” Head Coach / GM Bliss Littler is excited about the potential displayed by Svejkovksy, who was drafted by Muskegon in the USHL Phase I draft in May. “Lukas does a lot of things that will remind our fans of Brendan Harris. We love his compete and skill level.” Svejkovsky officially reports to his new club on August 21.
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