BCHL News & Trades:
Silverbacks Sign Longo:
D Trevor Longo, who was released by the Medicine Hat Tigers, has joined the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Longo, from North Vancouver, B.C., was a sixth-round pick by the Tigers in the WHL’s 2015 bantam draft. This season, he was pointless in four games with the Tigers.
Capitals Sign Pichette:
The Cowichan Capitals would like to welcome its newest member J.J. Pichette to the ranks. J.J. Pichette, former goalie of the Kerry Park Islanders, impressed the Capitals Coaching Staff during Main Camp this year. Pichette will bring needed strength between the pipes as the Capitals battle their way to the playoffs this season. J.J. will be traveling with the team this weekend as they take on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (tonight), Penticton and Chilliwack (Saturday & Sunday). The Capitals would like to thank former Goalie, Yann Dery, for his outstanding personality and great efforts this season! We wish him all the best of luck in the future while back in Quebec this Season.
O’Reilly Leaves Chiefs For QMJHL:
One player leaves and another comes in as the Chilliwack Chiefs continue a season-long roster shuffle. This time it’s an exchange of defencemen, with an interesting twist. Time ran out Friday on the six game suspension of D-man Brendan O’Reilly, who was banished for leaving the bench to join a fight during a Nov. 1 game vs Vernon. But the big blueliner wasn’t in the lineup for home games vs Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley last weekend. That’s because O’Reilly has gone east.Waaaaaay east. About as far east as he could go without falling into the Atlantic Ocean. O’Reilly has joined the Saint John Sea Dogs, a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team based in Saint John, New Brunswick. The Dogs are currently the third worst team in the QMJHL with a 5-13-4-2 record. “We can look at it and say it doesn’t make sense, but it’s his decision and it’s what he wants to do,” said Chiefs head coach/general manager Jason Tatarnic. Needing to replace O’Reilly, Coach T found a talented defenceman who last played in, wait for it, Saint John, New Brunswick. With O’Reilly coming in, the Sea Dogs released blueliner Marcus Tesink. The 19 year old was claimed on waivers by another major junior team, but chose the Chiefs instead. “I was surprised that Marcus was the one they (Sea Dogs) let go, and it was fortunate for us because there is a family connection with me,” Tatarnic said. “I coached two of his older brothers, so Marcus and his family are familiar with me.” In 141 QMJHL matches (regular season and playoffs) the D-man collected two goals, 17 points and 61 penalty minutes. At five-foot-10 and 177 pounds, the New Brunswick native isn’t big, but Tatarnic describes him as ‘a really good skater and a very smart player.’ “He played a lot of minutes for a very good team in Cape Breton last year, and he’s been a plus player everywhere he’s been until this year,” Tatarnic said. “Even with Saint John, a team that is really struggling, he was only a minus-four. “We know exactly what we’re getting.” Tatarnic is looking to make one more significant move in the coming days and wants to have his roster ‘finalized’ before Christmas.
West Kelowna-Amherst Trade:
The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club announced Thursday morning that the club has traded goaltender Cody Porter (’97) to the Amherst Ramblers of the Maritime Hockey League (MHL) in exchange for future considerations. Porter, 20, returned to the Warriors after spending three seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Calgary Hitmen and Vancouver Giants. In 117 games in the WHL, The North Vancouver, BC native posted a 52-42-5-4 record with a 3.30 goals-against average and a .887 save percentage. The 6’3”, 200-pound goaltender spent 4 games with the Warriors this season, posting a 1-2-0 record to go along with a 5.69 GAA and a .872 SV%. In 20 career games with the Warriors, Porter registered a 9-7-1 record along with 3.95 GAA and a .874 SV%. “Cody is a great kid and competes in every aspect of the game,” commented Warriors head coach and general manager Rylan Ferster, “We want to wish Cody all the best in his future with Amherst.” The Warriors would like to thank Cody for his time and contributions to the Warriors and the city of West Kelowna.
Atkinson Interview On Recent Trades:
The BCHL Salmon Arm Silverbacks made a number of moves over the past 10 days including trading away defencemen Spencer Hora and Mitchell Stapley. Hora has now landed in West Kelowna while Stapley was traded to the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations. The Silverbacks also acquired goalie Kyle Dumba and as a result will be moving former netminder Bo Didur in the near future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6-lfofBO_Y
Spruce Kings Name Anderson Marketing Manager:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have made a key addition to their business staff, as Kyle Anderson from Vernon, BC has joined the club in the role of Senior Marketing Manager. Anderson, a graduate of Vancouver Island University’s Tourism Management Program, is no stranger to the BC Hockey League, having worked for the Nanaimo Clippers in Game Day Operations from 2011-2013, and as a broadcaster for the West Kelowna Warriors from 2014-2016. Not only has he seen the BCHL side of marketing and game day promotions, his experience also includes a season with the VIU Mariners Athletics Department, as well as numerous volunteer experiences from the RBC Cup in Vernon, and a pair of Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championships in Nanaimo. “I’m extremely excited for this opportunity,” said Anderson, “Prince George is such a great hockey town and in my short time here I have really noticed the passion for sports in this community. I’m excited to get into the full swing of things.” Spruce Kings President Rick Turgeon adds “Kyle is a welcome addition to the hockey club, as his experience and schooling shows. We are looking forward to working with him and growing the corporate sales and attendance at games.” Anderson moved into the area last week and got to observe the two games over the weekend. His first full week will culminate in a pair of games against the Coquitlam Express. “We’re going to try some new things,” Anderson stated about his plan, “the biggest thing in a market like this is getting the students back involved, from both the fan perspective and the operations side of things, at both the high school and collegiate level. I’ve seen a couple former volunteers move on from the BCHL to University where they got involved with sports management after their experiences. It’s a great learning league.”
Spokane Chiefs Acquire Gulka:
The Spokane Chiefs have acquired F Sean Gulka, 17, from the Victoria Royals for a sixth-round selection in the WHL’s 2018 bantam draft. Gulka, from Langley, B.C., was a ninth-round pick in the 2015 bantam draft but never signed with the Royals. . . . Gulka is in his second season with the BCHL’s Langley Rivermen. He has four goals and six assists in 25 games. Last season, he finished with nine goals and seven assists in 48 games.
Wolff Relieved From Express:
The Jr A Coquitlam Express of the BCHL is pleased to announce the hiring of Jason Fortier as Head Coach and Assistant General Manager. With 12 years of coaching at the Junior A and AAA Midget levels, Jason brings to the team deep experience and a long track record of success behind the bench. His last two seasons were spent coaching in the CHL, most recently in 2016/17 as an Associate Coach with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers and then the prior 2015/16 season as Assistant Coach with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL. During his season with Rouyn-Noranda, the Huskies won the QMJHL Championship and competed in the Memorial Cup, ultimately losing in overtime in the Tournament Final. During the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons, Jason was the Head Coach and General Manager of the Jr A Toronto Lakeshore Patriots of the OJHL, winning back-to-back OJHL Championships and competing in the 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon, B.C. In these same two seasons, Jason also served as the Director of Hockey and Assistant Coach of the Toronto Nationals Midget AAA team, winning consecutive Ontario Midget AAA Championships and earning two trips to the Telus Cup Canadian Championship, claiming victory in the 2015 Tournament. Over a six year time span, Jason compiled an impressive Jr A coaching record of 234 wins, 100 losses and 28 OTLs and he is one of the few coaches who have coached in the Memorial Cup, the RBC Cup and the Telus Cup. Jason was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and played junior hockey in the OHL. He subsequently played in Germany and Holland, and then in the Central Hockey League in the USA. His maternal roots are in Trail, B.C. and his father played for the Smoke Eaters in the 1969/70 season. We are pleased to welcome Jason to the Express family and to the Coquitlam community. At the same time, we want to thank Barry Wolff for his years of commitment and dedication to the Express. Barry helped the team to a BCHL Championship in 2013/14 and has worked tirelessly for the organization. We wish Barry every success in his future pursuits.
Chilliwack-Bonnyville Trade:
The Chiefs have acquired 20 year old forward PJ Marrocco from the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for defenseman Luke Albert and future considerations. Marrocco, who is committed to Arizona State University for the 2018-19 season currently leads the AJHL in scoring with 41 points including 22 goals in 28 games. In the last two seasons with the Pontiacs, Marrocco has 85 points, 48 of which are goals in 81 games. Marrocco was named AJHL Player of the Week each of the first two weeks of November after scoring nine goals and five assists in five games.
Prince George-Wenatchee Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired forward Brady Bjork (99) from the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for future considerations. Bjork had one goal and five assists in 18 games with the Wild this year, after playing high school hockey in Wisconsin. He is committed to the University of Notre Dame. General Manager Mike Hawes states “We’re excited that we were able to add a tremendous young man with a great skill set to our existing group of forwards. It’s important to have as much speed and skill in your lineup as you can in today’s game. Brady will help give us more of that as he continues to develop his game to prepare for college hockey.” The Spruce Kings would like to welcome Brady and his family to the Spruce Kings organization and the community. Bjork is expected to be in the lineup on Friday and Saturday when the Spruce Kings take on the Victoria Grizzlies and Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Cowichan-Melville Trade:
The Cowichan Valley Capitals have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Tate Coughlin(97)(F) fromthe Melville Millionaires of the SJHL in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Brandon Stanley(97)(F) and future considerations
Salmon Arm-Estevan Trade:
Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager/Head Coach Scott Atkinson today announced the team has traded 20-year-old goaltender Bo Didur for future considerations to the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL. “We have traded Bo Didur to the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL. We feel this is the final transaction in our quest to solidify our goaltending situation here in Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks organization would like to take this opportunity to wish Bo every success with his new team, and thank him for his efforts while playing for us this season.” We wish Bo all the best this year with Estevan.
Alberni Valley-Flin Flon Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade with the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, dealing 1998-born goaltender Colten Lancaster in return for future considerations. Lancaster joined the Bulldogs in a summer trade from the Merritt Centennials and made 12 appearances this season, compiling a record of 1-8-2 with a 3.87 goals-against average and .887 save-percentage. “Colten is a great person and teammate who made a positive impact during his time in Port Alberni,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “As a 19-year old it’s important that he gets a chance to play often and establish himself in a starting role. He’s headed to a great opportunity with a very solid organization in Flin Flon and we wish him all the best for the remainder of the season and beyond.” With today’s trade the Bulldogs have created an opening between the pipes alongside John Hawthorne, who has posted a 7-7-2-1 record as a BCHL rookie. The team will make a corresponding roster move in the near future.
Cowichan-Calgary Trade:
The Cowichan Valley Capitals have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Caiden Kreitz(98)(G) from the Calgary Canucks in exchange for the CJHL playing rights to Riley Thorpe(99)(D)
Kings Acquire Thomas From USHL:
The Powell River Kings are proud to announce the acquisition of 99-forward Ben Thomas from Sioux Falls in the USHL. The 5’10, 175lb product of Ashburnham, Massachusetts is in his first year of Junior hockey after three years at Winchendon Prep, putting up 35 goals and 67 assists in 74 games. Thomas completed the cross-continent trek to Powell River earlier this week and will make his debut with the Kings Friday night against Langley. “The past week has been pretty hectic leaving Sioux Falls, driving home to get my passport then coming out to Powell River ahead of this weekend” says Thomas. “It’s just been a transition phase, it’s all for the better and I’m looking forward to getting going in Powell River.” The addition of Thomas to the forward ranks gives the Kings a lot of options. “I feel Ben is going to fit in here nicely” says Kings Head Coach Kent Lewis. “He’s skilled, he passes well and he can shoot the puck. He gives us more opportunities to score up front and makes us a deeper team.” Thomas considers himself a playmaking forward. “I can find my team mates and I feel I have a good hockey sense, making my team mates around me better” he says. “I’m also comfortable shooting, putting points on the board and creating a lot of offence.” Committed to Union College for the 2019/2020 season, Thomas continues a successful pipeline of Powell River players to attend the school. Kyle and Mat Bodie, Noah Henry, Daniel Carr and Ryan Scarfo have all attended the College over the last 10 years. “I’m focusing on fine tuning my game” says Thomas, when asked on what he needs to improve on ahead of the NCAA. “I feel like I’m skilled enough to be playing collegiate, but I really want to work on the defensive side of the game, the little things to round out my game and be a contributor at both ends of the ice.” The Kings would like to welcome Ben to Powell River, and wish him the best of luck in his debut Friday night against the Langley Rivermen.
Full Face Protection Mandatory For Junior B Players:
BC Hockey announced December 5, 2017 that full face protection will be mandatory for all BC Hockey Junior B players starting for the 2018 – 2019 season. This includes the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) and the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) and the two (2) BC teams participating in the North West Junior Hockey League (Fort St. John Huskies and Dawson Creek Junior Canucks). “BC Hockey is proud to be recognized as a leader in risk management initiatives, and player safety is at the forefront of our program planning,” commented BC Hockey Chief Executive Officer, Barry Petrachenko. “Our game is faster than it has ever been, and as a result we face increased challenges and responsibilities relative to safety. We are confident that through this initiative facial and dental injuries will be greatly reduced.” “This decision is part of BC Hockey’s mandate to provide a safe environment for our players to develop,” added BC Hockey Junior Coordinator, Phil Iddon. “Players can play more confidently without fear of facial or dental injury as a result of a play. This is a big and positive step for BC Hockey, the game and player safety.” At the 2017 Hockey Canada Winter Congress, Hockey Canada Director, Insurance and Risk Management, Todd Jackson, reported on dental injuries. The data with respect to facial and dental injuries while wearing half visors compared to full face is staggering. From 2010 – 2015, over 370 dental injuries with players wearing half visors were reported to Hockey Canada as compared to eight (8) for those who wore full face protection. During the same time period, the overall cost of dental claims were significantly lower in the full face category; $287,775 versus $7,548. Junior B teams will see a 71 per cent reduction in major medical and dental premiums under the Hockey Canada Insurance Program (down 35 dollars to 10 dollars per player) with the move to full face protection. Currently, approximately five (5) per cent of Junior A players playing in the BC Hockey League (BCHL) wear full face protection. BC Hockey will continue to work with the BCHL and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) to ensure the safety of our players is a priority, This season, the VIJHL Peninsula Panthers have successfully implemented full face protection, the first Junior team in BC to make the change voluntarily. The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) also applied full face protection for Junior A and Junior B teams and it is also required through all minor hockey in Canada and NCAA university hockey. Members of Team Canada at the under 18 level and below are required to wear full face protection. BC Hockey Junior B players who affiliate with Junior A teams will be required to wear full face protection during their play at that level.
No comments:
Post a Comment