BCHL News & Trades:
Chilliwack Chiefs Make Roster Moves:
The Chiefs made a series of roster moves today involving five players. Signed to the active roster is 19 year old defenseman Kyle Yewchuk. The 6’5 214 pound native of Calgary Alberta spent the last two full seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Edmonton Oil Kings and Lethbridge Hurricanes. He had one goal and nine assists in 74 games with Edmonton, and four assists in 26 games with Lethbridge. Acquired from the Trail Smoke Eaters are the Canadian Hockey League rights to 19 year old forward Dawson Martin in exchange for the CHL rights to 20 year old defenseman Brennan Riddle. Martin, from Winnipeg Manitoba, has played 127 games with the Calgary Hitmen and Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, scoring 12 goals and adding 14 assists. In 65 games with Red Deer last season he scored 10 goals and added six assists. In the third move of the day, the Chiefs announced that 19 year old defenseman Nick Ormon has been traded to the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. In 16 games with the Chiefs this season, Ormon scored one goal. In today’s final move the team announced that 19 year old forward Jordan Roy has left the team for personal reasons. Both Martin and Yewchuk are expected to be in the Chiefs lineup this weekend.
Merritt-Nanaimo Trade:
The Merritt Centennials today announced the acquisition of goaltender Austin Roden from the Nanaimo Clippers in exchange for future considerations. The 19-year-old has a 2-4-1 record with the Clippers this season along with a 3.17 goals-against-average and a .905 save percentage. “We’re happy to add another experienced goalie to our roster. We didn’t plan on Jake Berger play every single game for us so early in the season,” said Cents GM and Head Coach Joe Martin. “Jake has played outstanding for us, but our plans are to have healthy competition at all positions.” Roden – who’s from Victoria, BC – has a career BCHL record of 11-14-2 with a 3.17 GAA, a .901 SV% and two shutouts in 34 games. He is a graduate of the South Island Royals of the BC Major Midget League, where he played 47 games between 2014 and 2016. “We fully expect Jake and Austin to push each other to be better every day, which we feel will be good for both of them. Austin is ready to play now and provides immediate help as we head out on a road trip to Vancouver Island this weekend,” added Martin.
Coquitlam-Winkler Trade:
The Coquitlam Express have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Oliver Lester(97)(D) from the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations
Nanaimo-Trenton Trade:
The Nanaimo Clippers have traded 19 year old defenceman Shawn Guison to the Trenton Golden Hawks of the OJHL in exchange for defenceman Brandon Marinelli. The Clippers would like to thank Shawn for his commitment and hard work both on and off the ice and wish him the best of luck in Trenton. Brandon comes to the Clippers having played two seasons with the Golden Hawks. In both seasons he and the Hawks competed in the Royal Bank Cup.
Schleppe Commits To Prince George For 2018-19 Season:
The Prince George Spruce Kings signed 16-year-old forward Tyler Schleppe for the 2018/2019 season. The 6’3” 175 pound forward is from Vancouver and currently plays for the Burnaby Winter Club Academy Midget Prep team. He has 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points in 12 games played. Tyler attended Spruce Kings training camp in August and remained with the team through the exhibition season. He is currently an affiliate player with the team. “We are excited to commit Tyler Schleppe to the Spruce Kings for the 2018/2019 Season. Tyler exemplifies a great skill set and brings an element of size and strength that we are looking for. He has produced at every level, his game will translate well into the Junior A level. In addition, he possesses the characteristics that align with our team culture, which we put a lot of value on when looking at perspective players. We would like to welcome Tyler to the Spruce Kings family for next season” said Spruce Kings Head Coach Adam Maglio.
Salmon Arm-Sherwood Park Trade:
Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager Scott Atkinson today announced the team has traded for 19-year-old goaltender Kyle Dumba for future considerations from the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the AJHL. We are excited to have Kyle Dumba join the club at the goaltender position. Kyle is a very skilled goalie; with an extremely high compete level. In 2013 the Calgary Hitmen drafted him with the 68th overall pick in the WHL bantam draft. The following year he was named the top midget goalie in the CSSHL while playing for the Edge School for Athletes in Calgary. In addition, because I have coached Kyle previously I know he is a great teammate. Kyle will be on the ice today for practice and will make his debut with the Backs as they head on the road for games Friday in Surrey, Saturday in Cowichan and then finally finishing up the road trip with an afternoon tilt versus the Victoria Grizzlies.
Kings Get First Win In Penticton Since 2003
For the first time since December 14th, 2003, a span of 5074 days, the Powell River Kings earned a road win in Penticton as the 2017/2018 version of the Kings scored shorthanded, on the powerplay and twice even strength for a 4-2 win over the Vees on Saturday night.
Donaldson Commits To Smoke Eaters For 2018-19 Season:
The Trail Smoke Eaters are pleased to announce the commitment of Sean Donaldson for the 2018-2019 season. Donaldson — a 5’10” forward is a product of the Burnaby Winter Club — marks the first recruitment for the Trail Smoke Eaters 2018-2019 season. The team is pleased to secure a high-end player out of an elite program, well in advance of the upcoming season. Donaldson spent last year for the BWC Elite 15’s, where he registered 20 goals and 37 points in 30 games for the club. This season, Donaldson has played for the BWC Prep team and currently sits second in team scoring, tallying 13 points in 10 games in the highly competitive Canadian Sport School Hockey League. Donaldson visited Trail earlier this season, when he suited up for the Smoke Eaters for a home game against Powell River. Sean had a very positive experience during his visit to Trail which helped make his decision. “Getting up to Trail was an awesome experience, seeing the amazing facilities first hand, as well as getting a feel for the historic town. Playing in that building in front of the best fans in the BCHL really gave an extra drive and excitement to play. That opportunity gave me a great taste of what the league is like and showed me the work that I have to do in the next ten months to come in to the league as an impact players next season,” said Donaldson. The Smoke Eaters organization would like to welcome Sean and his family to our team and look forward to following his progress for the remainder of this season with the Burnaby Winter Club and are excited to see him wear a Smoke Eaters Uniform next fall.
Surrey Considering ‘7,000’ To ‘10,000’ Seat Hockey Arena:
With Surrey’s population rapidly increasing, is it time for the city to consider building a large arena? Local investment banker Inde Sumal seems to think so. Sumal is leading a group that wants to build a new 7,000-10,000 seat arena in Bridgeview, near Scott Road Station. While Bridgeview is the main option, there are two other areas in Surrey that Sumal’s group is looking at. If construction of the arena goes through, it would stand to be the largest arena and entertainment centre in Surrey. “The purpose of the arena will be for a hockey team, with the ability to host concerts and community events.” said Sumal. Sumal said his group “has a team looking to relocate,” but he would not comment on which team is looking at moving into the proposed arena. Aside from hockey, Sumal wants the facility to be an entertainment venue for concerts. “If there’s an artist that is too small for Rogers arena, they could make their way out here,” he said. One of the main attractions for Sumal’s group is the rapid population growth of Surrey. According to city estimates, Surrey’s population has grown by nearly 100,000 people over the last 10 years. “We look at population growth when we do our research,” said Sumal. “We thought that perhaps Surrey could be the next hub for a large sports facility.” He said the other benefit of the Bridgeview area is that it’s home to a major transit hub. “Surrey has the transit, enabling the residents of Greater Vancouver to make their way Surrey,” said Sumal. “From a land-value perspective, it’s also advantageous.” Both Sumal and Mayor Linda Hepner stress that discussions are in the preliminary stages. “Sumal feels that the addition of a grade A calibre arena and entertainment facility would be a welcome amenity for a growing metropolis such as Surrey,” Hepner said. “Discussions with the city are in the preliminary stages, but we’re encouraged with the responses that we are receiving from the city,” Sumal. Currently, the largest seated arena in Surrey is South Surrey Arena, home to the BCHL’s South Surrey Eagles. That arena holds 1,240 people. Aside from Rogers Arena, Vancouver has two large facilities with the Pacific Coliseum and Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Arena at UBC. The largest arenas outside of Vancouver are Langley Events Centre, with 5,276 seats, and Abbotsford Centre, which has a maximum capacity of 8,500. Based on Sumal’s comments, Surrey could be home to the largest arena in the Lower Mainland outside of Vancouver. This project is entirely separate from the proposal to build an outdoor soccer stadium in Surrey, which came to light earlier this month. Canadian Premier League soccer franchise pitches new outdoor stadium plan in Surrey Potential franchise operators with the new Canadian Premier League want to build and operate an “outdoor spectator stadium” on city-owned land here. The CPL is working with ownership groups to establish professional soccer franchises in key markets across Canada, according to league spokesperson Greg McIsaac.
Coquitlam-Humboldt Trade:
The Coquitlam Express have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Brock Hamm(97)(G) from the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Mitch Newsome(97)(F)
Silvertips Acquire Ormsby:
The Everett Silvertips have acquired F Luke Ormsby, 18, from the Seattle Thunderbirds for a ninth-round selection in the 2018 WHL bantam draft. Ormsby was born in Port Angeles, Wash., and has lived in Everett and Bellingham. He also played in Everett’s minor hockey ranks. “We’re excited to welcome an individual like Luke to the Silvertips family, who brings proven experience at this level and a is homegrown player as well,” Garry Davidson, Everett’s general manager, said in a news release.“His hard work, beginning in Everett Youth Hockey, gave him the necessary tools to improve each year and reach the WHL level. He gets around the ice very well, and shows up to play with emotion and intensity.” This season, Ormsby was pointless in 11 games with Seattle. Last season, he had six goals and five assists in 11 regular-season games, then added one assist in 13 playoff games. The Thunderbirds selected him in the ninth round of the 2014 WHL bantam draft. Ormsby had left the Thunderbirds on Monday and was to have joined the BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild. At the time, Seattle general manager Russ Farwell said: “He is going to Wenatchee to play. We are releasing him. It was a mutual decision.”
Dorsey Set To Join Wild:
The Calgary Hitmen have dropped F Matt Dorsey, 18 from their roster, and he is expected to join the BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild. Dorsey, who is from Wenatchee, was a third-round selection by Calgary in the 2014 bantam draft. However, his progress has been hampered by knee problems. . . . Dorsey had three goals and three assists in 34 games last season, but had yet to get into a game this season.
Merritt-Nepean Trade:
The Merritt Centennials announced today that 19-year-old forward Alex Bourhas has been traded to the Nepean Raiders of the Central Canada Hockey League for future considerations. “With Chase Bell coming off injured reserve, we needed to make room on our roster for a forward,” said Cents GM and Head Coach Joe Martin. “I’m certain that Alex will do very well with the opportunity in Nepean. Our entire organization wishes him all the best and thank him for his time in the Nicola Valley.” Bourhas played 17 career BCHL games in Merritt, posting five points (three goals, two assists) and 14 penalty minutes. The L’Île-Bizard, QC native was recruited by the Centennials from The Hotchkiss School hockey team in Lakeville, Connecticut.
Prince George-Coquitlam Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings are very excited to announce that they have acquired 19-year-old forward Blake Hayward from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for the rights to 20-year-old forward Nicholas Holowko. Hayward is from Vancouver and played the previous two seasons for the Express. Last season he tallied 8 goals and 21 assists for 29 points in 51 games played. He began this season with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL) but recently had returned to the Express. Hayward has twice played in the World Junior A Challenge for Team Canada West and is committed to play NCAA division 1 hockey at Union College next year. Nicholas Holowko is a veteran of 208 Western Hockey League (WHL) games over the past four seasons and most recently had played for the Kamloops Blazers. “Blake is a veteran BCHL player who brings a great skill set to our team. He also plays with an edge which will be a nice addition to the group. He will be leaned heavily upon to help provide leadership on and off the ice” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. Hayward will join his new Spruce Kings team mates as they start a 3 game road trip in Trail Friday night. In a separate move, the team has reassigned Reid Perepeluk to the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Hockey league (KIJHL).
Wild Name Mitzel New Account Executive:
The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League are pleased to announce the hiring of Daryl Mitzel in the position of Account Executive. She has been working with the club as an intern since early September and has earned her way into a full-time position. Also joining the Wild staff in a part time capacity is Erin Roberts. Daryl holds a Bachelors in Sports Management from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing her MBA online in Business Administration with an emphasis in Sports Management. She’s a native of Colorado, which has helped make for a natural transition to the Wenatchee Valley. She has enjoyed the beauty of the valley and is looking forward to more adventures in the area. People describe Daryl as outgoing, detail-oriented and goal-driven. She loves working with others in a fast-paced environment and strives to continuously grow and learn new things, then apply those experiences to her personal and professional life. As an Account Executive for the Wenatchee Wild, she hopes to bring a new home game experience to the Wenatchee Wild. She hopes to create a night out that involves the whole community including those that are not die-hard hockey fans. She looks forward to connecting with our community and taking the time to highlight brand new marketing opportunities bringing a new life to the Wenatchee Wild. Daryl will be focusing her efforts on specialty nights such as Teddy Bear Toss (Dec. 16), Superhero Night (Jan. 13), Guns N Hoses (Jan. 27), and Year 10 Night (Feb. 17). Additionally, she will help organize prime nights like Black Friday (Nov. 24), Ladies Night (Dec 15), WAHA Night (Dec. 30), and Faith and Family Night (Feb. 3). Also, she will keep an emphasis on group sales, creating memorable game night experiences. Erin Roberts joins the Wild part time, a full time married mother of three who also billets a Wild player. She has a strong professional background in human resources, holding an Associate of Arts degree and a B.A. in Business Administration. She will assist in the area of group sales, and is excited to help grow the sport she loves in the town she calls home. In a separate personnel change, Katie Lenerville has accepted a position outside the organization. The Wild wish Katie well in her future endeavors and thank her for her service over the last year. Gretchen Littler will move into the role of Director of Sales and Marketing, and will continue to work with our corporate sponsors as well as maintain her contacts with area schools and groups. “I’m excited to work with our sponsors and the community as we continue to strengthen our position in the Wenatchee Valley.”
Fundraising Campaign Starts For New Kings Bus:
Most of you know by now that the team bus broke down on its way to Wenatchee. Right now it’s sitting at a Richmond repair shop and we will get a verdict of what went wrong, but we don’t expect good news. The expenses for this road trip were substantially more than usual. Plus the fact we will have to return to Wenatchee and play a make-up game in the future. Fortunately the team was able to regroup and continue on to Penticton where they won their first game since 2003 in Penticton. At this time we need to use this set back as motivation to communicate, by any which way possible, to people of our town to help us fill the Hap and come out to the games and also to purchase the Dream Lottery Tickets. However, we understand from quite a few of you that are not BC residents that you would like a way to help out as well. This gofundme page is set up for those of you living outside of BC, who want to help the Kings be able to get a new bus and to help us recoup some of these larger costs of this past trip and future trip. We are going to have to look at alternatives for this upcoming weekend of travel, most likely having to rent a charter again until we can purchase a new bus. Preliminary calls have already been made for a replacement bus. We ask all of our outside BC Fans, Parents and Alumni to help the Kings out in getting a new bus. Let’s start off our 30th year without this huge debt hanging over our team. The Kings ask for your support and thank you for any donations that are made as every dollar helps!
Alberni Valley-Truro Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Graham Rutledge(98)(D) to the Truro Bearcats of the MHL in exchange for future considerations
Salmon Arm-Calgary Trade:
Salmon Arm trades 1997-born defenseman Mitchell Stapley to Calgary Canucks (#AJHL) for future considerations.
Prince George-Carleton Place Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have traded 18-year-old forward Shawn Kennedy to the Carleton Place Canadians of the Central Canada Hockey League in exchange for the CJHL rights to 19 year old goaltender Tavin Grant and future considerations. Kennedy was acquired by the Spruce Kings during the off season from Carleton Place in exchange for Grant and future considerations. Kennedy had tallied 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points in 25 games this season for the Spruce Kings.
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