Monday, October 15, 2018

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:

Clippers Acquire Gatenby:

The Nanaimo Clippers are pleased to announce the acquisition of Daniel Gatenby. A 6’4″, 201-lb. defenceman, Dan played last season with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL. Dan played in 57 regular season and 14 playoff games with Tri-City. He had a combined total of six assists and 58 penalty minutes. Playing for the WHL Kamloops Blazers in the 2016-2017 season, Dan played in 41 regular season and five playoff games. He had one goal, six assists and 24 minutes in penalties. In 2015-2016 Dan played 22 games for the Kelowna Rockets, having 1 assist and six penalty minutes. He also played for the BCMML Okanagan Rockets for 15 regular season and five playoff games. His combined totals were two goals, 13 assists and 14 minutes in penalties. 2014-2015 saw Dan playing 42 games for the BCMML Okanagan Rockets. He had one goal, nine assists and 36 minutes in penalties.

Powell River-Surrey Trade:

The Powell River Kings have connected on a trade that sees the Kings acquire 99-born defenceman Perry Winfree from the Surrey Eagles, with the Kings sending future considerations back the other way. Winfree is in his 2nd season of Junior A hockey in the BCHL, having played 52 games last year with the Eagles as a rookie. The Cary, North Carolina product scored twice, while assisting on 8 others during the regular season. So far this season, Winfree has played in all 7 of Surrey’s games, compiling two assists. The Kings would like to welcome Perry to Powell River and look forward to seeing him in Kings colours.

Warriors Name White New Assistant Coach:

The West Kelowna Warriors are pleased to announce the hiring of Assistant Coach, Taurean White. White comes to the Warriors after spending last season as Head Coach and General Manager of the Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). Prior to his time in Swan Valley, White spent two seasons as Head Coach and General Manager of the Kingston Vogageurs of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Taurean brings a decade of coaching experience to the Warriors.  The Warriors would like to welcome Taurean, his wife Lisa and daughter Nyah to the West Kelowna area. “We are very excited to have Taurean added to our staff. His passion, dedication, and experience at this level will be a major asset to our program.” Geoff Grimwood. The Warriors would also like to announce the promotion of Assistant Coach Matt Miller to Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager. Miller is entering his third season with the Warriors and is up for the increased challenge of his new role.  “Matt has proven himself to be irreplaceable,” said Grimwood. “His dedication to the players and Warriors organization is unmatched. Matt has a big future in this game and we are very lucky to have him.”  The promotion of Matt Miller and the addition of Taurean White compliment the rest of the staff who have a long history with the Warriors. Goalie Coach, Chad Carther, and Head Scout Lance Morey are both in their seventh seasons with the team, while team Chaplain Don Richmond has been with the club since its inception.  “I really feel strongly we have put together a great staff. There is a great mix of long term Warriors staff as well as a couple of new ones. Combined with the new hires of Mike Schell, Director of Entertainment & Game Day Operations and Kristi Hennessy, Director of Marketing & PR on the business and media side, we are very excited with the direction of our team.” Geoff Grimwood.

Nanaimo-Penticton Trade:

The Nanaimo Clippers have acquired 2000 born forward Sammy Steele and future considerations from the Penticton Vees in exchange for forward Brady Lynn and goalie Kyle Dumba. Steele appeared in seven games for the Vees this season and is coming off winning a championship with the USHL’s Fargo Force. The Hummelstown Pennsylvania native had 11 goals and 13 assists in 46 games during the 17-18 campaign. He also added a goal and an assist in 14 playoff games with the Force. The newest Clipper has already committed to Arizona State University and will move on to the NCAA for the 2019-2020 season. Clippers coach Darren Naylor says Steele is a player who can step in and help the Clippers right away. “He’s a big body forward who can score. Sammy’s scoring ability will give our offense a boost and his championship experience with Fargo will have a positive impact on our dressing room,” said Naylor. Steele is expected to be in the line up on Sunday afternoon when Nanaimo starts a nine game October schedule with a 2 p.m. matinee against the Trail Smoke Eaters. The Clippers would like to thank Brady Lynn for his commitment to the team and to the community of Nanaimo for the last two plus seasons.  We wish both Brady and Kyle the best of luck in their future hockey endeavours.

Penticton Vees Unveil New Mascot:

Just before their first home game of the season Saturday, the Penticton Vees introduced the latest addition to their lineup. At some seven feet tall, there’s no doubt that he’s imposing. And his fur comes naturally in the Vees own colour, blue and white. Yep, fur. Soft fuzzy fur. The only concern about the Vee’s new mascot is that no one seems to know what to call him. The Vees have turned that job over to us, asking for fans to comment on Facebook with their name suggestions, which they will narrow down and put it up for a fan vote in two weeks. Fred Harbinson, the Vees’ head coach and general manager, says introducing a mascot is all about enhancing the fan experience and keeping the fans engaged.















Cristall Commits To Chiefs For 2019-20 Season:

The Chiefs are proud to announce the first commitment for the 2019-20 season,Tyler Cristall.   Tyler had an outstanding rookie season in 2017/18 with the NW Giants of the BC MML scoring 10 Goals and 20 Assists in 39 GP. Tyler impresses with his elite-level IQ, skill-set and puck protection abilities. “Tyler is a high character player that has impressed our staff with his vision right from day 1 of training camp.” said Brad Rihela. “We are very excited to add him to our program.” “I’m proud and honoured to play for the Chilliwack Chiefs. It’s been a goal of mine to play in the BCHL and being part of the Chiefs organization is a dream come true.”- Tyler Cristall.

Nanaimo-Brooks Trade:

The Nanaimo Clippers have acquired Thomas Samuelsen in a trade with Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for Andrew Lucas. The 19-year-old, 5’10”, 190-pound forward is originally from Williston, VT. He spent the 2017-2018 season with the Kimball Union Academy in the United States High School Preparatory League. In 37 regular season games, Samuelsen scored 22 goals and added 21 assists. Samuelsen has been with the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL for the 2018-2019 season so far, playing 2 games and adding one assist. “Samuelsen is a forward with offensive scoring ability”. Clippers head coach and general manager Darren Naylor. “He plays a solid two-way game and will fit well into our top six forward group. We’re looking forward to him wearing a Clipper jersey for his time in the BCHL.” Samuelsen has already secured an NCAA Division I scholarship to the University of Connecticut. The Nanaimo Clippers wish Andrew Lucas well in his hockey future.

Prince George-Surrey Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired defenseman Jason Chu (01) from the Surrey Eagles in exchange for Future Considerations. Chu, from Coquitlam, BC has 5 games of BCHL experience, having played 1 game for the Spruce Kings last year as an affiliate player, and 4 this year with the Eagles. He has scored 1 goal with the Eagles so far this season, after suiting up with the Northwest Giants of the BC Major Midget League last season where he put up 4 goals and 25 assists in 40 games. “Jason is a very good young Dman that we are familiar with as he had affiliated with us last season. I wanted to add another defenseman who we know can play but also someone that was younger and would be with us for a few seasons. I feel our group of Dmen is very solid and adding a good young Dman to that mix was the goal.” Jason Chu is expected to join his teammates this week for games with the Wenatchee Wild on Thursday October 4th, and the Victoria Grizzlies on Friday October 5th at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.

Daly Joins Rivermen:

The Langley Rivermen have added a new player to the lineup. Nineteen year old defenceman Garrett Daly joined the team on Friday and made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in two games, one each against Coquitlam and Prince George. The six-foot and 192 pound D-man spent most of last season playing high school hockey in Minnesota. He captained Lakeville North High, posting six goals and 25 points in 25 games. He also went pointless in five games with the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness. He went to training camp with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints at the start of this season. Daly has an NCAA commitment with Bowling Green State University.

Nanaimo-Whitecourt Trade:

The Nanaimo Clippers have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Will Spitzer(00)(D) to the Whitecourt Wolverines of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations

Alberni Valley-Powell River Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade with the Powell River Kings, acquiring the CJHL playing rights of 1998-born defenceman Ben Raffler in return for future considerations. Raffler joined Powell River during the 2016/17 campaign and has suited up in 99 regular season and playoff games for the Kings, including 68 last season. He has scored a goal and added 14 assists over the course of his BCHL career. “We’re excited to welcome Ben to the team,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “We’ve seen firsthand that he’s a steady, smart and physical defender who can match up against top forwards and move the puck effectively. He brings playoff experience and additional veteran leadership to our blueline.” In a corresponding move, the Bulldogs have released 1998-born forward Tyler Vanuden. The 20-year old joined the team in October 2017 and contributed 19 points over 34 regular season games. “We’d like to wish Tyler all the best moving forward and thank him for all his efforts on the ice and for representing the team well in the community,” says Hughes.

Langley-Nanaimo Trade:

The Nanaimo Clippers have picked up defenceman Carter Stephenson (’98) who was with the Langley Rivermen. “Carter is an experienced defenceman, who can play the power play and brings experience to the back end”, stated Coach Naylor. The 5’11”, 154-lb. Carter has played six games for the Rivermen in the 2018-2019 season, scoring one goal, having two assists and 10 minutes in penalties. The 2017-2018 season saw Stephenson playing for the Rivermen in 51 games. He scored six goals, had 17 assists and 23 minutes in penalties. 2016-2017 saw Carter playing for the Vernon Vipers and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. He played 23 games for the Vipers scoring five goals, had eight assists and 15 minutes in penalties. With the Silverbacks he played in 30 games with one goal, seven assists and 26 penalty minutes. In 2015-2016, Carter played with the BCMML Vancouver NW Giants, where he was awarded top D-Man in the BC Major Midget League.

Chilliwack-Trail Trade:

The Trail Smoke Eaters Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of forward Trevor Peca (‘00) from the Chilliwack Chiefs in exchange for future considerations. Peca, 18, spent last season with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), collecting 12 goals and 36 assists for 48 points in 50 games to go along with 76 penalty minutes. The 6’1”, 163-pound forward played in four games with the Chiefs this season, registering a goal and an assist with six penalty minutes. The Clarence, New York native is a dual citizen to both Canada and the USA, playing the bulk of his hockey career in the States with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres program before heading out west. Peca has also secured a commitment to the University of Miami-Ohio for the 2019/20 season. The Peca name is a well-respected one amongst the hockey world as Trevor’s father, Michael, spent 13 seasons in the National Hockey League split between the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets. Over 864 games, Peca collected 176 goals and 465 points while captaining the Sabres and Islanders in his time there. “I’m thrilled to add Trevor Peca to our roster,” said Smoke Eaters General Manager and Head Coach Jeff Tambellini, “Trevor is a strong, two-way forward who can play anywhere in our lineup. We believe he will be a great fit for our team and our organization will help prepare him for his transition to the University of Miami-Ohio.” In a corresponding roster move, the Smoke Eaters have released forward Logan Harris (’00). Harris, 18, played in seven games with the Smoke Eaters after coming to the club from the Anaheim Jr. Ducks program, registering no points in seven games with six penalty minutes. The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Trevor and his family to the City of Trail and the Smoke Eaters organization. The Smoke Eaters would also like to thank Logan for his time and contributions to the City of Trail and the Smoke Eaters organization and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Surrey-Nanaimo-Penticton Trade:

The Surrey Eagles have acquired goaltender Kyle Dumba and forward Brady Lynn in a three-team deal with the Nanaimo Clippers and Penticton Vees. The Clippers are receiving forward Sam Steele from the Vees, and the Vees have acquired forward Eric Linell as well as future considerations from the Nanaimo Clippers. Dumba, 20, spent the majority of last season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, appearing in 30 games. He posted an .892 save percentage in the regular season, and followed it up with a .947 in the playoffs. He also appeared in games for the Kamloops Blazers and Everett Silvertips of the WHL. He previously played two seasons with the Calgary Hitmen. Lynn, 19, has spent three years in the BCHL with the Nanaimo Clippers. He scored a career-high 17 goals last season in 55 games. The Abbotsford, BC native has recorded 3 assists in 9 games this season. He was serving as an assistant captain with the Clippers at the time of the trade. “Adding these two players gives us a lot of flexibility,” Eagles general manager Blaine Neufeld explained to SurreyEagles.ca. “Dumba gives us three really good options in goal right now, and Lynn will add some leadership on top of being a player who scored 17 goals only a year ago.” This latest trade follows up some other roster-shuffling by the 3-7-0-0 Eagles earlier this week. On Wednesday it was announced that forward Justyn Gurney had been officially added to the roster, and forward Aaron White was removed. Gurney made a fantastic first impression, scoring twice in his first BCHL game against the Coquitlam Express on Wednesday night.

Pouliot Joins Kings:

D Ryan Pouliot, who chose not to report to the Vancouver Giants after being claimed on waivers last week, has joined the BCHL’s Powell River Kings. Pouliot, 20, was waived by the Swift Current Broncos. He had been pointless in three games. Pouliot had played the previous two-plus seasons with the Kootenay Ice, recording three goals and 25 assists in 155 games.

Penticton-Surrey Trade:

The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of 20-year-old forward Eric Linell from the Surrey Eagles for future considerations in a multi-team deal. In the move, 18-year-old forward Sammy Steele goes from Penticton to Nanaimo for future considerations. Linell, from Great Neck, New York, is in his second BCHL season after being a member of the Coquitlam Express in 2017-18. Linell was far and away the leading scorer on the Express last season, recording 46 points in 58 games. His 28 goals were more than double that of his next closest teammate. This season Linell has skated in nine games with the Eagles scoring five goals and six assists. He scored Surrey’s only goal in Penticton’s 4-1 win over the Eagles at the Bauer BCHL Showcase September 20. In total, Linell’s BCHL career has seen him score 33 goals with 24 assists in 67 games. He comes to Penticton with an NCAA scholarship to the University of Connecticut. Steele, from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, played in all seven games for the Vees so far this season, being held pointless. The Vees wish him the best with the Clippers. Linell will wear number five and will be in the lineup Friday when the Vees host the Vernon Vipers at the South Okanagan Events Centre.


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