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:

Alberni Valley-West Kelowna Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade with the West Kelowna Warriors, acquiring 1999-born defenceman Spencer Hora and future considerations in exchange for 1997-born forward and team captain Ryan Steele. Hora hails from Kelowna, BC and is in his second full BCHL season. He played his rookie campaign with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, scoring once and adding seven assists in 54 regular season games. He totaled 10 assists in 21 games with Salmon Arm to begin the season before being dealt to West Kelowna, where he chipped in one goal and three assists in 14 contests. “Spencer is a player we’ve been targeting since very early on in the season,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He brings a great blend of skill and toughness that will be a welcome addition on our blueline. He’s a young guy who already has nearly 100 games of BCHL experience under his belt and he will be a big part of our future as we build a winning team and culture.” Meanwhile, Steele joins West Kelowna after suiting up in 86 regular season games for the Bulldogs over two seasons. The 20-year old was named captain in September and holds the team lead in scoring with 28 points. “It’s a very difficult decision any time you look at trading a player of Ryan’s ability level and character,” says Hughes. “But ultimately, Ryan’s junior hockey career is nearing an end and we were able to acquire a young man who fits in well with both the short and long-term vision of our team. We also feel we have some younger players up front who will step up and thrive with the added opportunity in Ryan’s absence.” Hora is expected to join the Bulldogs for Friday’s game in Victoria, and will make his home debut on Saturday against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Powell River Kings Make Roster Moves:

The Powell River Kings have made a pair of roster moves ahead of Wednesday night’s trade deadline, with 2000-born defenceman Sam Pouliot and 2000-born forward Ethan Schmunk joining the team for the rest of the season. Pouliot, a product of North Vancouver, comes to the Kings from the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. The 6’1, 165lb defenceman has been around the Kings organization for a couple of seasons, having attended Main Camp in previous years and is the younger brother to former King affiliate defenceman Ryan Pouliot. In 12 games this season with Red Deer, Pouliot tallied one goal. Last season, he played for the Greater Vancouver Canadians along side Nathan Kelly. “Sam provides us with a great deal of options and flexibility on the back end” says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. “To be able to add a player at this stage of the season that you’re very familiar with is good for our program and we’re excited to bring Sam to Powell River.” Also joining the team is forward Ethan Schmunk. The 5’10, 175lb forward from Powell River has been suiting up for the VIJHL’s Campbell River Storm this year, scoring 6 goals and assisting on 11 in 29 games. Schmunk has also joined the Kings for 6 games as an affiliate this year. “Ethan has shown this season in Campbell River and when he’s been here with us that he has a great work ethic” says Lewis. “He makes us deeper down the middle and will show up every day with his work boots on.” The moves brings the Kings roster to a league-maximum of 23 players, with 14 forwards, 7 defencemen and 2 goaltenders. Both Pouliot and Schmunk will join the Kings ahead of three games this coming weekend beginning Friday night at home to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Malgunas Commits To Spruce Kings For 2018-19 Season:

The Prince George Spruce Kings have added to their defense group for the 2018/2019 season, as they have committed to local Brennan Malgunas of the Cariboo Cougars. Malgunas (00), was recently named to the First All-Star team at the 2017 Mac’s Midget Tournament in Calgary, and is a solid piece on the Cougars blueline in BC Major Midget League play. Spruce Kings GM Mike Hawes states “We are excited to add Brennan to our team next season. He is a great kid and a very good player who competes hard and can play in all situations. He is the best defenseman I’ve seen this season in the BC Major Midget League. Our fans will enjoy watching this young man play for the next few seasons.” In 23 games this season with the Cougars, Malgunas has 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points in 23 games. He has also appeared in 2 BCHL games with the Spruce Kings this season. Last season, Malgunas put up 9 goals and 15 assists in 38 games in the BCMML.

Penticton Vees Report:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZI5QpYsBhs

Dawson Joins Rivermen:

blueliner Jordan Dawson has shifted his career closer to home as a member of the B.C. Hockey League’s Langley Rivermen. The 19-year-old defenceman spent two seasons with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. Dawson has played eight games for Langley and scored his first BCHL goal Dec. 30 at Prince George.

Bulldogs Make Roster Moves:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs made a pair of moves before the British Columbia Hockey League’s trade deadline on Wednesday evening, signing 1999-born defenceman Lucas Patton from the VIJHL’s Nanaimo Buccaneers and trading 1997-born defenceman Connor Welsh to the Trail Smoke Eaters in return for future considerations. Patton hails from Sechelt, BC and was in his rookie season with the Buccaneers, having dressed in 28 regular season games while picking up five assists. The 18-year old also suited up in a pair of games with the Bulldogs as an affiliate player and has practiced regularly with the club over the past three months. “Lucas is a strong defensive defenceman who skates well and competes at a high level,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He’s impressed us as a person and player in his time as an affiliate and we feel he’s ready to step into our lineup on a regular basis. Lucas has a great deal of upside and we’re excited to see him continue his development in a Bulldogs jersey.” Meanwhile, Welsh joins a Smoke Eaters team that is currently tied for second in the overall BCHL standings. The 20-year old has been a potent offensive performer from the blueline in his two seasons in the Alberni Valley, with 12 goals and 45 points to show for 97 regular season appearances. “Connor is a great person and a skilled player who has made a big impact on our team both on and off the ice,” says Hughes. “Making the decision to move him today wasn’t easy, but we made a trade that fits with the best interests of our organization moving forward. We’d like to thank Connor for all he did as a Bulldogs player and as a positive ambassador for our team in the community.” Patton will play his first game as a full-time member of the Bulldogs on Friday night when the team travels south to face the Victoria Grizzlies. Friday’s game also marks the return of 1998-born forward Julian Benner and 1999-born forward Michael Sacco, who had each been out with long-term injuries. “Getting Julian and Michael back in the lineup is really like making two big additions on top of the other moves we completed at the deadline,” says Hughes. “Both guys have shown they can make a real impact offensively and we’ll look forward to their contributions down the stretch run.” The Bulldogs have also announced that forward Liam Lytton and defenceman Ezra Paddock will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

Bowen Returns To Chilliwack:

The Chiefs made just one roster move at the BCHL trade deadline Wednesday. Returning to the Chiefs is 19 year old forward and Chilliwack native Ryan Bowen. Bowen spent the 2014-15 season with the Chiefs, scoring ten goals and 28 points in 53 games before moving on to the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors and Lethbridge Hurricanes for the last two plus seasons.  In 143 WHL games, he scored 21 goals and added 36 assists. “We’re excited to have Ryan back,” said Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Jason Tatarnic. “We expect him to be an important player for us as we finish the regular season and through the RBC Cup here in May.” Earlier this season Ryan’s younger brothers Jason (2001) and Ethan (2002) made their BCHL debuts with the Chiefs, suiting up as affiliate players. Ryan is expected to be in the Chiefs lineup this weekend when the Chiefs host the Coquitlam Express Friday and the Penticton Vees Saturday.

Cowichan-Rockland Trade:

Beating the BCHL Trade Deadline of Jan. 10th, the Cowichan Capitals have traded forward #12 Raphael Gosselin to the Rockland Nationals Jr. A Hockey Team of the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL) for future considerations. The Capitals would like to thank Raphael for his commitment and contributions during the 2017-18 season while with the team and wish him all the best in his future career with the Rockland Nationals. Thanks “Goose” & Good Luck!!!

Spruce Kings Make Roster Moves:

The Prince George Spruce Kings filled out their roster at the BCHL Trade Deadline by swinging a pair of deals. The Spruce Kings added forward Sam Anzai (98) from the Vernon Vipers in exchange for future considerations. Anzai is a former captain with the Drayton Valley Thunder of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Anzai is a veteran of 90 junior hockey games between the AJHL and BCHL, picking up 3 goals and 2 assists in 14 games with the Vipers this season. GM Mike Hawes “Adding a player of Sam’s calibre is very important for our stretch run. Sam is a veteran player with leadership abilities who is going to add depth to our already deep group of forwards.” In the second deal, the Spruce Kings add defenseman Oliver Lester (97) from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for forward Ryan Stack (00) and future considerations. In Lester, the Spruce Kings add an experienced defenseman who has played for the Brooks Bandits (AJHL) and Dauphin Kings (MJHL) in the past. GM Mike Hawes “Adding Oliver rounds out our defense group and gives us a good balance of forwards and defensemen. After seeing Oliver play, he’s a good puck moving defenseman, and will benefit us moving forward in our already strong back end.” “We would like to thank Ryan for his time here in Prince George. Ryan has a lot of room for growth and will have that opportunity in Coquitlam.” added Hawes.

Salmon Arm-Bonnyville Trade:

Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager/Head Coach Scott Atkinson today announced the team has acquired D-Man Sol Seibel from the Bonneyville Pontics of the AJHL for Future considerations. "We are very pleased to announce that we have acquired 1999 born defenceman Sol Seibel. Sol spent the last two seasons in Vernon with the Vipers and was recently traded to Bonneyville and we were able to strike a deal to bring Sol to Salmon Arm. Sol is a skilled player who can contribute in all areas of the game, but we were very attracted to his gritty style of play. He has a high compete level and is very difficult to play against."

Cowichan-Surrey Trade:

Capitals beat the Trade Deadline and Acquire NEW Veteran Defenceman – Domenic Masellis from the Surrey Eagles for Future Considerations. Domenic is a 20 year old BC native from Burnaby. Domenic brings veteran leadership and solid defensive strength with his 5th year in the BCHL

Eagles Make Roster Moves:

With the BCHL trade deadline passing Wednesday, January 10th at 8 PM, the Surrey Eagles were a busy team – bringing three players in and moving three players out. In total, general manager Blaine Neufeld completed three trades, signed one player, and released another. Forward Dryden Michaud has signed with the Eagles after being released by the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. Ty Schultz, a 20-year-old defenceman, has been acquired from the Coquitlam Express for future considerations. In a corresponding move, defenceman Domenic Masellis has been traded to the Cowichan Valley Capitals for future considerations. Lastly, a move for a goaltender was made as Mario Cavaliere was acquired from the Georgetown Raiders of the OJHL in exchange for Dominic Dumas and future considerations. Goaltender Nic Tallarico was released to make room for Cavaliere. Michaud, 19, appeared in 29 games for the Saskatoon Blades this season scoring 2 goals and 2 assists. He came up through the Yale Hockey Academy system, also appearing in 50 PJHL games with the Abbotsford Pilots from 2014 through 2017. “Dryden gives us a multi-faceted player,” Neufeld told SurreyEagles.ca. “He can help at both ends of the ice. We love his speed, competitiveness, and ability to play in all situations.” Schultz, 20, is a former 16th overall pick in the WHL draft. He has appeared in 186 WHL games with the Medicine Hat Tigers since 2014. Prior to that, he spent two seasons in the BCMML with the Greater Vancouver Canadians and Vancouver Northwest Giants. GM Neufeld calls the 6-foot-1, 200 pound Schultz a “key piece” that they were able to add late in the day. Cavaliere, 20, comes to the Eagles with stellar numbers in the OJHL. With the Georgetown Raiders he appeared in 28 games, posting a 19-8-1 record and .932 save percentage. In the previous season with the Burlington Cougars, he had a .918 save percentage in 39 games and followed that with a .929 in 10 playoff games. “In Mario, we added a mature, experienced goaltender,” GM Blaine Neufeld said, calling it a “very large” acquisition. “He’s had tremendous success at the junior A level.” “I’m extremely excited and satisfied with our roster. We went into the day looking to add a 20-year-old defenceman, 20-year-old goaltender, and quality forward. We did exactly that.” The Eagles would like to thank Domenic Masellis, Dominic Dumas, and Nic Tallarico for their time with the organization and wish them the best of luck with their new teams.

Trail-Alberni Valley Trade:

The Trail Smoke Eaters are pleased to announce the acquisition of defenceman, Connor Welsh. The 5’7″, 154lb Halifax native has played with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs the past two seasons, racking up 7-17-24 in the past 40 games. The Trail Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Connor and his family to the Home of Champions.

Martinson Commits To Langley Rivermen:

The Langley Rivermen are proud to announce the commitment of Defensemen Logan Martinson from Allen, Texas, USA. The 2000 born Martinson sits at 6’2 180 pound and urrently plays with the Dallas Stars U18 in the T1EHL League where he currently has 2 goals 11 assists in 28 games played so far this season. I am super excited to be joining such an organization. I have heard nothing but great things about Coach Henderson and his staff and the program they run, they have had success moving players onto the next level, and thats something I want to be apart of. Fans can expect Logan to fit right into the Riv style of play; I see myself as a puck moving, good first pass with the ability to read when the right time is to jump up into the play. I try to play big down low and lay it on the line for my teammates. Said Martinson. Logan’s father Steve, played a total of 49 NHL games and 179 AHL games before moving to the coaching ranks in the WCHL with the San Diego Gulls. He is currently with the Allen Americans in the ECHL as Head Coach and GM. He  has won 10 minor Championships as a Coach in his Professional Career.