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-Brooks Trade:
The Wenatchee Wild added a player yesterday, acquiring the rights to 20 year old forward Blake Bargar from the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Brooks Bandits in exchange for future consideration. Barger has spent the last four seasons as a full-time player in the Western Hockey League. In 255 regular season and playoff games with the Moose Jaw Warriors, Victoria Royals and Seattle Thunderbirds, the California native has 19 goals, 42 points and 176 penalty minutes. He can throw ‘em.
Twitter Headache For Coquitlam Express:
We start this morning with the Coquitlam Express and Twitter headaches. If you bounce around several BCHL team accounts like I do, you’ll have noticed that @BCHLExpress has been down for the count recently. Rather than me trying to explain why, here’s the Express releasing a statement this week. “The Coquitlam Express official Twitter account (@BCHLExpress) has been temporarily shut down by Twitter. In the process of getting the account verified, Twitter’s services incorrectly determined that the account, at its time of creation in 2010, was done so by a person under the age of 13. We were unable to explain to Twitter that the account is not a personal, but rather a business account that has been administered by many different Express volunteers and employees over the years. Twitter’s support has told us the account will be reinstated eventually, but we have been kept in the dark about when this may be.” The explanation does leave me wondering, was it created by someone under the age of 13? Might be that in 2010 that was the only person with the expertise to do it. In the meantime, the team has created a somewhat awkward temporary account at @CqtlmExpress.
Silverbacks Unveil New Mascot:
The BCHL Salmon Arm Silverbacks unveiled their new mascot in a creative way. Kong has been the face of the franchise for several years but the team felt it was time to upgrade the Silverback gorilla and make him a little more kid friendly. And like everyone on the team…if you are not pulling your weight or working hard you could find yourself on a fast vine out of the jungle. Using their relationship with Ian Gray GM (big supporter of the team) Kong gets cleaned up and become Super Kong!
Want To Fill That Arena?
Every junior hockey team on the continent would like to create a larger demand for their product. Below is a concept that not only stuffs your empty seats, but also gives the players a huge sense of responsibility. As a parent, I know the purchasing power of my children. I also know how much parents would appreciate a young hockey player taking the time to give back to our community, and children, as a school volunteer. A prospects in schools program is an excellent way for clubs to generate community interest in their program. There are a lot of potential supporters out there that are not typically a hockey fan. Let's face it, finding quality entertainment for the family is not an easy task. Taking the crew to a hockey game, to see a player that the child knows from school, could be a nice diversion that does not take a huge bite out of the wallet. The first person needed is a volunteer program coordinator. A huge advantage would be to find a teacher to manage the program. This person could be the single most important volunteer on your staff, especially if this program is properly implemented. Identify the number of players on the team's roster that could be available on Mondays. For this example, we are going to say fifteen. Next, identify the fifteen public elementary schools, with standard enrollment numbers, that are closest to the team's home venue. Generally, Mondays are great for this program because it will give parents the week to plan for the team's weekend game. As a weekly school volunteer, your player will float from classroom to classroom or help with the physical education programs. The point is to get the maximum exposure and interaction out of each school visit. The player should be at his school when the buses roll in until the last child goes home. Parents will take notice of the young man, especially if he is working with their children all year. Even more importantly, if the children are talking about the positive interaction they are having with your player, the return on that investment of the player's time is going to be substantial. Players should always be dressed in team apparel, be clean cut and shaven, and always remember that they not only represent the team, but also the game itself. The impressions made here can have a lifelong impact on these kids. Make the most of it. Done right, and done consistently, the result of the program could be tremendous. Imagine if just one in ten children manage to drag mom and dad to the games. Typical enrollment at elementary schools is over 250, so we will use that number, meaning 375 more families a game from just fifteen schools. Youth hockey programs, hockey experience camps, and even group field trips are all by-products of this program. Pick one game each season that can be played on a school day. Work with the program coordinator to help identify a date that could work within the school calendar. The coordinator will also need the help of the school districts in order to facilitate and manage the event. A common theme is drug awareness and the need to choose a healthy lifestyle. The players, coaching staff, and community leaders are all to participate in pre and post-game activities. This type of event happens all over the country and can easily translate into a huge number of new supporters for the team. Schools are always in need of volunteers while teams often have a seemingly unlimited supply of empty seats to fill, this programs takes care of both issues while helping to cultivate the character of each of these young men.
Vees Launch Community Heroes Program:
The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to officially launch a new community initiative, the Community Heroes program. The initiative will see a different local charity honoured at each Penticton Vees home game during the 2018-19 regular season. Each charity will be presented with a cheque for $1,000 for a total of $28,000 over the season. “Launching Community Heroes is a very important project for us,” Vees Director of Corporate Partnerships David Michaud said. “When we reached over 3,000 fans per game last season, we knew we had to find a way to say thank you to the community for supporting us the way they do. This will give us a chance to recognize 28 amazing groups that do great work in our community. Even more special than the $1,000, we think the chance for Vees Nation to recognize the great work these organizations do will speak volumes. We hope to hear lots of applause and cowbells when each of these organizations are honoured.” Any registered charity is able to apply to be a Community Hero, and can do so on the Penticton Vees website under the “In The Community” tab. Recipients will be invited to join the Vees in the Gateway Casino Community Zone, and will be recognized in the arena during the second period.
Alberni Valley-Penticton Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade with the Penticton Vees, acquiring the CJHL playing rights to 1999-born forward Ryan Miotto and 2000-born forward Henri Schreifels in return for 1998-born forward Andre Ghantous. Miotto spent the 2017/18 campaign with the Chilliwack Chiefs, where he helped his team capture the 2018 RBC Cup. The Thorold, ON product scored nine goals and totaled 21 points in 57 regular season games and added a pair of goals in five playoff contests. He was acquired by Penticton in an offseason trade and had netted two assists in five games so far this season for the Vees. He is committed to attend Canisius College in the fall of 2019. “Ryan is a big, hard-working two-way forward who will slot right into our top-six forward group and be relied upon at both ends of the rink,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He brings a winning pedigree from his experience at the RBC Cup in Chilliwack and we feel that he can step right in and be a big part of our team.” Schreifels hails from Agoura Hills, California and committed to the Vees in January from the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League’s Anaheim Junior Ducks. He led all T1EHL skaters in goals and points last season with 26 and 56 respectively and had suited up in three regular season games in Penticton. “We recruited Henri last season and we’re thrilled to add him to our group now,” says Hughes. “He has a big, strong frame and a heavy shot, and he has tremendous potential to be an impact player in the BCHL. We look forward to him taking the next steps in his development as a Bulldog.” Heading to the Vees is Ghantous, who was acquired from the Trail Smoke Eaters as future considerations in a January 2018 trade for blueliner Connor Welsh. Ghantous has begun the season in the United States Hockey League with the Omaha Lancers but was released last last week. “Andre expressed a desire to remain in the Interior Division and we were able to accommodate his wishes while picking up two valuable pieces who can contribute immediately,” says Hughes. Miotto and Schreifels will join the Bulldogs for their upcoming three-game road trip that sees the team visit Trail, Penticton and Surrey.
Merritt-Nipawin Trade:
The Merritt Centennials have completed a trade with the Nipawin Hawks of the SJHL. The Cents have sent defenseman Colten Gerlib to the Hawks in exchange for future considerations. Colten Gerlib tallied 12 points in 44 games last season, and was held off the score sheet in 2 contests this year. Gerlib was acquired by the Centennials last season before the BCHL Showcase, and has spent time with the Surrey Eagles and Tri-City Americans of the WHL in his junior career. The team wishes Gerlib and his family the best as they move on from the Merritt Centennials.
Nanaimo-Kirkland Trade:
The Clippers have traded futures to the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners for the playing rights of Gunnar Wegleitner. Gunnar a 20-year-old, 6´1˝, 190-lb. forward, comes to the Clippers after playing the 2017-2018 season with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. With Brandon, Gunnar had 10 goals, nine assists and 19 penalty minutes in 57 regular season games. In seven playoff games he scored one goal. The 2016-2017 season saw him playing for the Victoria Royals and Kirkland Lake Gold Miners. He played 12 games with the Royals. In 13 games with the Gold Miners he had 15 goals, nine assists and 11 minutes in penalties. In seven playoff games with the Miners he scored two goals, had three assist and had two minutes in penalties. In 2015-2016 Gunnar played 14 games for the BCHL Surrey Eagles. 2014-2015 saw him playing 47 games for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL.
Spruce Kings Extend Head Coach Maglio To 2-Year Extension:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have signed Head Coach Adam Maglio to a 2-year extension to remain with the team through the 2020/2021 season. Maglio, who is in his fourth year with the team, and second as head coach, has already compiled an impressive resume in Prince George. He lead the Spruce Kings to their first Mainland Division Title last season, and lead them all the way to the BCHL Fred Page Cup Finals, where they fell to Wenatchee in 5 games. He has a 38-18-4-4 record to date. Spruce Kings GM Mike Hawes: “I’m happy that we were able to get Adam signed to a new contract that will keep him with us for another couple of seasons, I feel that the continuity and stability of having a great coach in place for an extended period is important to the success of any team. Adam has shown that he is an elite coach. His commitment to our team, his work ethic and ability to teach and relate to the players is tremendous. I look forward to continuing to move our organization forward with Adam.” Head Coach Adam Maglio: “I am excited to sign an extension with the Prince George Spruce Kings beyond the 2018/2019 season. I would like to thank Mike Hawes (GM) Rick Turgeon (President) and the rest of the organization for their continued support and trust in our coaching staff. I feel fortunate to be a part of a great organization in which I believe has one of the best hockey communities in the BCHL. I look forward to working and pushing the growth and development of our team on a daily basis.” Maglio and the Spruce Kings play three divisional games this weekend taking on Surrey, Langley, and Coquitlam on the road.
Chilliwack-Buffalo Trade:
The Chiefs are pleased to announce that they have acquired 18 year old forward Trevor Peca from the Buffalo Junior Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Peca is the son of former National Hockey League forward Mike Peca. In 50 games with the Junior Sabres last season Peca, who has secured an NCAA scholarship to Miami Ohio, scored 12 goals and added 36 assists. Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Brian Maloney is thrilled to be adding a player who comes not only with a strong set of skills but good character as well. “When the staff and myself did our due diligence on Trevor the first thing that everyone said was he was a great kid,” said Maloney. “That’s important for us and what we’re trying to build here. He’s also a kid that’ll bring more speed to our forward group as well as a hard accurate shot. Adding more speed will help us to keep pushing the pace which is critical in today’s game.” Peca is expected to join the Chiefs in time for this weekend’s road trip which takes the Chiefs to Vancouver Island for games in Nanaimo (Friday), Cowichan (Saturday) and Victoria (Sunday).
Vees Sign Harrogate:
The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce the signing of free agent 20-year-old forward Brendan Harrogate from the Ontario Hockey League. Harrogate, from Chatham, Ontario, has played in the OHL for the past three seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads and Oshawa Generals. The 6’1’’ 187-pound forward scored 10 goals with 15 assists in 54 games last year between the two teams after being moved from Mississauga to Oshawa. In total, Harrogate played 156 OHL games over the past three years scoring 29 goals with 28 assists. “This deal was made in conjunction with our trade with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” said Vees head coach and general manager Fred Harbinson. “Brendan is a veteran who has a lot of junior hockey experience, including a trip to the OHL finals with the Mississauga Steelheads. He will be a big addition to our forward group.” Harrogate will join his teammates for practice Thursday and play his first BCHL game Friday when the Vees play in Merritt.
Smoke Eaters Statement About Public Safety:
The Trail Smoke Eaters Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club has issued the following statement regarding drug use in the Trail Memorial Centre: On Tuesday, the Trail RCMP issued a press release regarding a public safety concern at the Trail Memorial Centre. In this statement, drug use in the Cominco Arena restrooms during the Trail Smoke Eaters hockey games was mentioned as being one of the areas the RCMP were concerned with. This was the first time the Trail Smoke Eaters organization was made aware of possible drug use at our games. The team reached out to the RCMP and the City of Trail to discuss this matter further as we take potential risks to our fans safety very serious. Through our discussions with the RCMP, Sergeant Mike Wicentowich explained drug use is affecting all of our public facilities in the City of Trail and surrounding communities. The Trail Smoke Eaters take this matter very serious and will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of fans and players. We pride ourselves on providing a community event that is both welcoming and safe for our fans of all ages. In our conversations with Sergeant Mike Wicentowich, the Trail RCMP Detachment believes public awareness will resolve this matter to a significant extent. The Trail RCMP Detachment acknowledges that the Trail Smoke Eaters game are and continue to be a safe, fun, family-orientated event for those who attend. Rich and Annie Murphy have and always will place fan and player safety as the top priority during Smoke Eater hockey games.
Eagles Sign Katzalay, Miley & Ryan:
The Surrey Eagles have added a trio of new players to their roster: Forward Holden Katzalay, defenceman Ryan Miley, and forward Liam Ryan. All three players are expected to join the team immediately. Katzalay, 18, is a Vancouver native that played last season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. The 6-foot-3, 183 pound forward had 2 assists in 59 games with the team last season. He previously played with the Burnaby Winter Club, scoring 20 points in 30 games as a 16-year-old. Miley, 18, hails from Brookings, South Dakota and spent last season with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. He joined the Winterhawks mid-season after starting the year with the Sioux Falls Stampede U18 squad. Ryan, 18, is originally from New Westminster and appeared in 32 games for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL last season. He scored 2 goals and added 3 assists in his rookie season as a 17-year-old. Prior to joining the Cougars, he played in the BCMML for the Vancouver NE Chiefs. He recorded 72 points in 74 games over the course of two seasons. Three corresponding roster moves are to be announced in the near future.
Merritt Centennials Sign Guy:
The Merritt Centennials have added some offense to the lineup as they have signed Vincent Guy. Guy spent time in the QCHL with the St. Lawrence Lions last season and had 10 goals and 13 assists in 35 games. However, the Centennials connection runs through Mathieu Gosselin who played with Guy in the QMAA with the St-Francois Blizzard, and the Goose also had a stint with the Lions before coming over to the Cents last year. Guy will draw into the lineup tonight against the Vernon Vipers.
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