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:
Wenatchee Wild Name Sowder Captain:
The Wenatchee Wild, who this weekend open their fourth season in the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced their team captains for 2018-19. The BCHL begins league play Friday, Sept. 7. The honor of wearing the “C” as team captain goes to third year forward Lucas Sowder. The Trinity, FL native is committed to play Division I hockey at Minnesota State – Mankato next season. The assistant, or alternate captains are third year defenseman Jacob Modry who hails from El Segundo, CA; third year defenseman Chad Sasaki from Cypress, CA who is committed to Colorado College; and second year forward and Los Angeles native Murphy Stratton, who has committed to play his college hockey at the University of North Dakota. Wenatchee opens the regular season with their first eleven games on the road, beginning this Friday Sept. 7 at the Vernon Vipers. The Wild Home Opener will be Friday October 12 against the Nanaimo Clippers, and will feature the unveiling of the Championship Banners, a Ring Ceremony, and more.
Vees Hope For Big Things:
When describing the makeup of this year’s Penticton Vees team, head coach Fred Harbinson drew a comparison that many fans would be happy to hear. He says this year’s team has more size and more grit — a lot like the Vees team two years ago that won a BCHL title and went on to play for the RBC Cup. Above all, he likes the mentality of his club at this point. "I can just sense with this group right now we have guys who are willing to fight through things... I think it's so important when you have so many good teams in our league and our division to have guys willing to do those extra little things." By birth year, the Vees are a younger club this season, led by 17-year-old captain Massimo Rizzo. But Harbinson says despite some younger ages, there’s junior experience down the lineup. "We only have three 20-year-olds. You're allowed six, we have three of them. But as far as our experience goes, we have a lot of 18-year-olds who have played a year or two of junior hockey," Harbinson says. "I don't look at it like we're young in terms of experience, but by birth year we are." Last year’s club finished on top of the league standings after a nail-biting race for first in the Interior division, arguably the toughest Junior A division in Canada. But to lose in game seven of the second round, Harbinson says that was bittersweet, and he hopes it can translate positively for this year’s group. "We're going to do everything we can to stay healthy, we're going to do everything we can to stay focused, we're going to do everything we can to bring our A-game more nights than not... It should be a special season if we do that." And like the team, the fans appear to be hungry for more this season — on the heels of a year where the Vees had the highest attendance of any Junior A team in Canada all time. There were 1,789 fans in the stands for Wednesday night’s exhibition game, a 6-3 win against West Kelowna. "Almost 2,000 fans at a Wednesday night game in August, says a lot about the fan base here... I can say this, that's one of the reasons players come here," Harbinson says. "A lot of these guys come from programs where maybe they play in front of 300... In a few weeks, they'll be playing in front of 3,000." The Vees visit the Wenatchee Wild on Friday and finish their exhibition schedule on Saturday, hosting the Wild at 6 p.m. at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The real season begins for them on Sept. 7, when they visit the Langley Rivermen. The Vees home opener is on Sept. 29 against Alberni Valley.
Surrey Eagles Name Tobin New Assistant Coach:
The Surrey Eagles hockey club is proud to announce that Brad Tobin has been hired as an assistant coach as a part of head coach Peter Schaefer’s staff. Tobin, 29, previously served as an assistant coach in Surrey from 2010-2016 before leaving for the Creston Valley Thunder Cats of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League – first serving as an assistant coach, then as head coach and general manager. During his playing career, Tobin spent four years in the Pacific Junior Hockey League and KIJHL as a defenceman with the North Delta Devils and Columbia Valley Rockies. “I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to come back and work with Peter Schaefer once again,” said Tobin. “It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours. I definitely took some time to think about the offer. At the end of the day, I couldn’t say no to coming back to the BCHL and working with players that are getting recognized at the National Hockey League level.” As a defenceman by trade Tobin naturally enjoys focussing on the defensive side of the game, but his time spent as head coach and GM helped him develop in other areas. “I’ve always been the type of coach that likes to focus on the defensive side of things. It was great being a head coach, but I’m open to doing whatever the team needs me to do. I definitely learned a lot about the day-to-day operations and the business side of things during my time in Creston Valley. I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learned back to Surrey and implementing it.” Tobin also had high praise for the current crop of Eagles players. He had a chance to travel and attend the camps of a handful of other BCHL clubs – noting that the Eagles are one of the quickest. “I was at Eagles camp for a little while and got to know what the team was all about. I went to six BCHL camps total, scouting for Creston. Out of all those teams, the Eagles were one of the fastest. The defence looked like they could really use the Olympic ice to their advantage in transition.”
Warriors Name Tilsley Captain:
The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club are pleased to announce their leadership group for the 2018/19 season. Veteran Cavin Tilsley has been named team captain, joining alongside him are forwards Parm Dhailwal, Chase Dubois, and Bennett Norlin who will serve as alternate captains for the Warriors this season. Tilsley, 20, has played the last two seasons in West Kelowna with 78 regular season games played, compiling 11 goals and 35 points over that span, along with 134 penalty minutes. The Delta native has also spent time with the Prince George Spruce Kings going back to the 2015-16 season and half of the 2016-17 campaign. “I’m honoured to be named captain for such a great team and organization,” stated Tilsley, “I am very proud of what my teammates have done before this season has started, and i’m very excited to accomplish even more on the ice with them. I have had amazing leaders in the past that have helped me become the player and person I am today, and I hope to have the same affect on my teammates. ” Dhaliwal, 19, enters his third season with the Warriors with 98 regular season games played scoring 23 goals totaling 70 points. The Surrey, British Columbia native also suited up in eight playoff games earning two goals and five points. Dubois, 20, also enters his third season after scoring 39 goals and adding 70 points in 114 games for the Warriors the past two seasons. The former Cariboo Cougar also suited up in eight playoff games earning three goals finishing up with 10 points. Norlin, 19, returns for his second season with the Warriors having played in all 40 regular season games compiling five goals and 11 points. The Farmington, Minnesota native is committed to Air Force Academy in 2019-2020.
Meet The Newest Centennials:
The Merritt Centennials have 7 new faces that will don a Cents jersey for the first time this season. Yesterday, the Centennials announced the signing of local talent Talon Zakall, today the Cents are proud to announce the signings of 5 more players, and one more new face, Jaydon Fetter, who was signed just before camp began. Daniel Tkac has the distinction of being Slovakian/American and can claim roots in Presov, Slovakia despite being born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Tkac spent last season playing with the Omaha Lancers of the HPHL, but he also participated in the World Junior Under 18s for Slovakia where he put up 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points. During the regular season with the Lancers, Tkac split time with the Midget team and the under 18 team, but combined for 32 goals, 33 assists and 65 points in 72 games played. Tkac says that this season he will be looking for his team mates. “I think I’m a play maker, a bit of a skill guy, I think I can bring a lot of chances to the team, a lot of goals and assists, and help the team win.” Tkac adds that in his brief experience with Merritt, it’s the people that are standing out so far. “A lot of nice people that’s for sure. Everywhere I go people just say Hi, and the scenery is gorgeous too.” Nic Granowicz is the most experienced of the Centennials signings out of camp having played 3 years of Junior hockey already in his career. Hailing from Macomb, Michigan, Granowicz joins the Cents after a split campaign with the Toledo Roadrunners of the NAHL and the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL. He served as Captain of the Roadrunners before moving to the Roughriders, but produced 39 points in 53 games played combined with the two clubs adding 15 goals and 24 assists over the year. Granowicz says that he has a lot of weapons, but they all centre around speed. “I play with a lot of speed, hard and fast and on the puck. I think I can contribute in the offensive and defensive zones, and overall be a good help to the team. This is my third year of junior, I’ve been in a lot of different situations so I think I will be a good resource for the rookies, and when we’re in a tough situation in a game hopefully help out and bring us to a win.” Granowicz adds that so far he’s enjoying the relaxed pace of Merritt. “It’s a change for me, but I think it’s a nice little town. You can get where you need to go very quickly, and everyone is really nice.” The name Frazer Dodd may not be new to die hard Centennials fans, and that’s because the Hazelton, BC native was an Affiliate Player with the Centennials last season getting into 7 games and supplying 4 assists. Dodd spent the majority of the regular season with the 100 Mile House Wranglers of the KIJHL where he supplied plenty of offense with 25 goals, 22 assists, for 47 points in 42 games played. In camp he supplied plenty of fire, and got under the skin of opponents, a role he’ll look to continue into the regular season. Dodd says that his all around skills will serve the Cents well. “I think my work ethic is one of my strengths, my offensive game is at the strongest it’s been, but I’m also pretty aware of my defensive zone.” Dodd adds that it’s the people that make Merritt great. “I just think everyone’s so friendly. The people are friendly, the billets are friendly, everyone you meet is always just… super friendly.” Brett Roloson possesses a last name some NHL goaltender buffs may recognize as he is the son of Dwayne Roloson, but the Victoria native has been making a name for himself in the CSSHL where he’s impressed at Shawnigan Lake School Prep putting up over a point-per-game pace with 15 goals, 31 assists, for 46 points in 35 games played last season. Roloson says that he possesses two things you can’t teach that he will bring to the team. “My speed is at the top speed I can reach, my hands are pretty good, and those skills combined with my work ethic will be a big help to the team.” Roloson echoes the sentiments of his new team mates in regards to Merritt. “It’s the people, they’re really heartwarming, and help you move in and stuff. It’s a small town so everyone knows each other, so it’s nice to know that people are keeping an eye on you.” Ben Ward didn’t have to travel far for camp as he hails from Kamloops, BC, but he did have to work his way onto the team by impressing in camp. Ward last played in the CSSHL with the Delta Hockey Academy and put up 19 goals along with 8 assists for 27 points in 31 games played. He will be the smallest Centennials forward on the roster, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in heart. Ward says that his game doesn’t allow for much time and space. “I think a big part of my game is to put as much pressure on the D-men as I can, and at the end of the day I want to be able to produce offense out of that too.” Ward adds that he thinks Junior ‘A’ belongs in Merritt. “I’ve enjoyed my time here a lot. I think this is the perfect town for a Junior ‘A’ club, not too big, not too small, all the people come together in the community and it’s perfect.” Jaydon Fetter was the lone signing that the Centennials announced ahead of camp, but he will be a new face on the team nonetheless. Hailing from Windsor, Ontario, Fetter spent last season with the Leamington Flyers of the GOJHL where he had 10 goals, 21 assists and 31 points in 45 games played and also served as an Assistant Captain. Fetter says that he will bring a combination of offense to his defensive game. “I bring a strong right handed shot that will hopefully bring some offense from the back end. I also like to bring grit to win battles in the corners and have no problems blocking shots.” Fetter adds that Merritt has been awesome so far. “Coming from Windsor it’s definitely a change of pace, but it’s awesome that everyone is so close in the community.”
Express Name Robillard Captain:
For a fan of the Express over the past few seasons, Troy Robillard’s name is far from new. The Coquitlam native is entering his 4th and final BCHL season, all with the Express. After wearing an A on his sweater last season, the big d-man will now hold the honour of captaincy. “The coaching staff believes that Troy was the easy choice. We spoke to our returning players and new recruits, after a brief chat they unanimously chose Troy to lead them this season. He is a motivated athlete that has the character and discipline to be successful in life. We all believe Troy will help us raise the standard and create a new culture. Alex Ambrosio was our past captain and did a great job so we are looking for Troy to build from which the passion Alex brought and create his own style. ” -Jason Fortier, Head Coach & GM Robillard began his hockey journey with the Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association. At age 15, he spent year in Kelowna’s Pursuit of Excellence program on their Elite15 team. He returned home the next year to join the Vancouver NE Chiefs of the BCMML where he helped lead the squad to their first BC Midget AAA championship. The next year, as a 17 year old, Robillard joined the Express. He has since suited up for over 120 games and added 33 points. However, it was last season that Robillard really broke through. Playing top blueline minutes, Robillard scored 5 times and added 21 assists, while contributing as leader after the NCAA departure of captain Alex Ambrosio. “I am extremely honored and grateful for this opportunity and to have the support and respect from teammates and staff, means a great deal to me. When the coaches announced my name, it was a surreal feeling. They explained their decision and made it very clear that being a good teammate and someone who puts the teams needs ahead of my own will be my priority.” – Troy Robillard
Clippers Name Mitchell Captain:
The Nanaimo Clippers are pleased to announce that Marcus Mitchell will be their captain for the 2018-2019 Season. Joining Marcus as assistant captains are: Brady Lynn, Nicolas Wilson, Joshua Bourne and Jordan Dawson.
Silverbacks New Look For 2018-19 Season:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are gearing up for the 2018-19 BCHL Season with a new look. However many longtime fans will remember the Silverback’s original purple inspired look. The team is also using their retro Silverback logo and will be sporting purple helmets and purple gloves. Salmon Arm opens the season tomorrow night at 7pm when they play host to the Merritt Centennials.
Smoke Eaters Name Tuck Captain:
The Trail Smoke Eaters Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club are proud to announce the leadership group ahead of the 2018/19 season that sees Braeden Tuck named captain while Kyle Chernenkoff and Hayden Rowan will serve as assistant captains. Tuck, 20, is entering his third season with the Smoke Eaters, playing 108 career games in Black and Orange, scoring 24 goals and adding 41 assists for 65 points. The Calgary, AB native played with the Osoyoos Coyotes of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) before making his way to Trail. Chernenkoff, 20, sees the 2018/19 season also mark his third campaign with the Smoke Eaters, having amassed 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points including 84 penalty minutes in his 92 games with Trail. A Crescent Valley, BC native, Chernenkoff plays close to home, starting in Junior ‘B’ with the Nelson Leafs before joining the Smoke Eaters in 2016. Rowan, 19, is set to enter his first season with the Smoke Eaters but is no stranger to Junior ‘A’ hockey. The Pemberville, Ohio native comes to Trail after a solid season with the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League (USHL), collecting 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points while earning 42 penalty minutes in 46 games and is committed to play for Yale University in 2019/20. “We’re excited to have a strong leadership group with us this season,” commented Smoke Eaters Head Coach and General Manager Jeff Tambellini, “We believe that our leadership spans throughout our entire lineup and we’re happy to have these three at the forefront.”
Centennials Name Wicks Captain:
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