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:

Smoke Eaters team up with Trail In Bid For National Championship:

Hockey Canada will make decision in June on the site for 2021 championship. Although first and foremost on the Trail Smoke Eaters’ minds is the current BCHL playoffs, the team’s brass is also looking at bigger things down the road. The City of Trail and the Smokies have announced that they are working together to submit a bid to Hockey Canada to host the 2021 National Junior A Championship. “Hosting (the event) would be a great opportunity for our community,” said Craig Clare, director of Hockey and Business Operations for the Trail Smoke Eaters, in a joint press release with the city. “Right now, we are focusing on the bid document and gathering all the information that is required in order to be considered. We feel our team and community have so much to offer a tournament of this caliber, but it’s Hockey Canada’s decision as to which team and city are most suitable to host the event.” The event was called the RBC Cup until 2018, since then RBC has pulled out of its sponsorship. “As of right now, it’s simply called the National Junior A Championship (NJAC),” said Brent Mutis, communications director for the BCHL. Trail already has an impressive recent-history track record with Hockey Canada after co-hosting, with Nelson, the 2007 World Junior A Challenge, the 2012 national sledge hockey team’s training camp as well as the national women team’s exhibition game versus Sweden in 2001. All of those events received rave reviews from Hockey Canada officials, which might help pave the way for the next hosting bid. But there is still a lot of work to be done to prepare the final submission. “There are many financial and operational requirements that must be included in the bid,” added David Perehudoff, the city’s chief administrative officer, in the release. “The goal is to invest the time and resources required to compile a thorough and professional document that will hopefully result in a positive outcome for Trail. “Once the bid has been submitted, we will anxiously wait for Hockey Canada’s review of the bids received, and their decision.” Bid submissions from all eligible host teams and committees are due by April 30, 2019. Hockey Canada will then review the submitted bids and make their decision in June 2019. The 2021 national championship is scheduled for May that year. Brooks, Alberta, is hosting the 2019 event and Manitoba’s Portage la Prairie will host in 2020. Should Trail’s bid be accepted, the Smoke Eaters would automatically qualify for the championship as the host team. If comments following the 2007 Challenge are any indication, Trail has the ability, reputation and proven results. Kevin Webster, Hockey Canada’s marketing and events manager during the 2007 World Junior A Challenge, said Trail proved its ability to host a major event. Following the event, then-BCHL commissioner John Grisdale said at that time Trail’s hopes for hosting a national Junior A championship are very promising considering the success of the World Challenge. “Without question Trail can host any event it wants,” he said. “They’ve shown that in everything they’ve ever done.” An another potential card in Trail’s favour – Tom Renney, chief executive officer of Hockey Canada, is a former Trail Junior Smoke Eaters coach during the team’s days in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

Becker Leaves Penticton/Vees Name Former Captain Sexton New Assistant Coach:

The Penticton Vees announced today that assistant coach Jason Becker has accepted a new position as the head coach of the midget prep team at St. George’s School in Vancouver, and former Vees captain Patrick Sexton has been hired as an assistant coach. Becker, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, spent three seasons on the Vees bench after being hired ahead of the 2016-17 season. He was mainly responsible for the Vees defence and penalty kill.  He joined the Vees after two seasons at the Okanagan Hockey Academy and four years with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League.  “Jason has been a great asset to our program and myself these last three seasons,” said Vees head coach, general manager and president Fred Harbinson. “Our mandate is to provide opportunities not only for our players, but also for our staff to enhance their careers. This move gives Jason an opportunity to run his own program and we wish him the best of luck in doing so.” Sexton, from Ottawa, Ontario, recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin where he attended upon finishing his junior hockey career. Sexton played five seasons of junior hockey, three in Ontario and the final two in Penticton. With the Vees, Sexton scored four goals and 17 assists in 103 career games from the blue line. He was the captain of the 2014-15 Vees championship team and is perhaps best known for his game-winning goal in game seven against the Vernon Vipers.  “Patrick was the quintessential Vee when he wore our jersey and I’m confident he will bring that same attitude and passion to our coaching staff,” Harbinson said. “I felt it was important at this time to bring an alum onto our staff, and an alum that understands what it takes on a day-to-day basis to win in our league. Paddy will be well respected by our players, as he accomplished what they set out to do in our program.” The Vees would like to congratulate Becker on his new position and wish him the best of luck moving forward, while also welcoming Sexton back to the organization.

Ballarin Commits To Express:

COMMITMENT: It is our 4th @NEChiefs_MML commitment as Chiefs captain @dballarin14 will be joining the Express this season!  The New West native played 2 full seasons with the Chiefs wearing a letter both years.#AllAboard

Bowie & Monds Commit To Grizzlies:

With B.C. Hockey League scoring leader Alex Newhook and New York Rangers draft pick Riley Hughes moving on to NCAA hockey in the fall, the Victoria Grizzlies, the highest-scoring team in the league last season, are losing a lot of their arsenal up front. So Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon has been scouring the country looking for some high-powered weapons for the 2019-20 season. He looks to have found them in a pair of 18-year-olds from Ontario. Brendan Bowie of Burlington and Cody Monds of Brockville are coming off high-scoring seasons — Bowie at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ont., and Monds with Northwood Prep School in Lake Placid, New York — and both have already earned NCAA scholarships to St. Lawrence University for the fall of 2021. “Both players come from quality hockey programs,” Didmon said. “Brendan led his team in scoring and has a great hockey sense and can make something out of nothing. Cody also led his team in scoring and is lightning quick and creative as well. They’re both good character kids who will fit perfectly into the brand of hockey we like to play.” Bowie, who turned 18 last month, lit up the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association to the tune of 54 goals, 60 assists for 114 points in 66 games. He also led the St. Andrew’s Saints to the playoff title, potting three goals and three assists in four post-season games. And he’s well aware he’s coming to an offensive league. “I chose the Grizzlies because I think their style of play suits my game and they always seem to have good teams, are always contenders,” said the five-foot-10, 175-pound Bowie, who can play both centre and wing. “The BCHL is known for its speed and skill game and the league is known to be the best Junior A league in preparing players for the NCAA so I jumped at the chance to sign with the Grizzlies.” Bowie, who was selected by the Sudbury Wolves in the 2017 Ontario Hockey League draft, visited Victoria in March and got to watch Grizzlies’ playoff games against Powell River. “It was an amazing experience,” said Bowie. “The arena was great, the city was awesome and everyone I met was super nice so I can’t wait to get out there.” Playing in the top prep school league in Ontario, Bowie has faced top competition, including going up against his soon-to-be teammate Monds, as well as a pair of brothers he’ll soon be getting to know better. “I don’t them too well but I played against [Alex and Charlie] the Campbells a few times over the years and they’re both great players.” Bowie is also familiar with a St. Andrew’s College alumnus whose name will be called early in next month’s NHL draft in Vancouver. “Actually, I just missed playing with Alex [Newhook],” he added. “I was arriving just as he was leaving but I did get one practice in with him. Nice guy, great player, obviously.” When the puck drops on the BCHL season in September, it won’t be the first taste of Junior A hockey for Bowie. He was called up by Aurora for three games and tallied two goals. “I think I held my own in those games. The pace was a lot quicker and the players a little bigger but I was happy with the way I played.” The speedy Monds led his Northwood team to the national championship tournament in Michigan where they made the semifinals. The five-foot-10, 170-pounder put up 39 goals and 55 assists in 66 games. 

Fradette Commits To West Kelowna Warriors:

The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of goaltender Evan Fradette(‘01) for the 2019-2020 season. Fradette, 18, spent the past two seasons with the St. Albert Raiders Midget AAA of the Alberta Midget Hockey League(AMHL). Fradette was named the 2018-19 Defensive player award and the AMHL Playoff MVP. “Evan is coming off a tremendous season and we look forward to continuing his development here”, said Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West. “Evan was a key factor in his St Albert Raiders winning the Mac’s Midget Tournament in Calgary and led his team to the finals in the Alberta Midget League. Evan is a big game goaltender who has the ability to make a real name for himself. His attitude and dedication to the position is what I really like about him. He wants to be in the net and give his team a chance to win every game.” The 6’3 200 pound goaltender was a fifth round draft pick of the Portland Winterhawks(WHL) but elected to go with the college route. “I have heard nothing but good things about the BCHL,” stated Fradette. “West Kelowna is a beautiful place to live and it’s always been circled on my list of potential teams.”  Fradette likes to model himself after LA Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick. “Quick is very active in the net, and so am I, and who doesn’t like making the odd flashy save? Which Quick makes a lot of.” The Warriors would like to welcome Evan and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.

Smoke Eaters Name Urekar New Assistant Gneral Manager-Murray New Goaltending Coach:

The Trail Smoke Eaters Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club have added a pair of members to their hockey staff, bringing on Jeff Urekar as the team’s Assistant General Manager while Sean Murray joins the organization as the team’s goaltending coach. Urekar comes to Trail after completing his first season as the Head Coach of the Vancouver North East Chiefs of the BC Major Midget League, taking his team to the second round of the playoffs after a 3^rd place finish in the regular season. The 2018/19 season capped off Urekar’s fifth season with the Chiefs while also serving as a scout for the Smoke Eaters throughout the year. Murray joins the organization after instructing young goaltenders for 20 years and brings plenty of experience to the Smoke Eaters. Originally founding Pro-Formance Goalie School and Development Centre, Murray has worked with such goaltenders as Brad Theissen and Martin Jones who have moved on to very successful NHL careers. Murray most recently served as the goaltending consultant for the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants and University of British Columbia Thunderbirds while also serving as a goaltending coach for the Prince George Cougars for two seasons and has experience in the BCHL as an assistant coach with the Surrey Eagles in the 2000/01 season. Additionally, Assistant Coach Dustin Korlak will return behind the bench for his second season with the club. The Stonewall, Manitoba native will look after the defense of the Smoke Eaters, a role he served for the majority of the 2018/19 season and helped the backend surrender just 36 goals against in 12 playoffs games, an average of three goals against a game. Korlak came to Trail a season ago after a playing career that spanned in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and Germany before spending two seasons in the MJHL as an assistant coach. The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Jeff and Sean to the organization as well as the City of Trail.

Nesterenko Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs:

The Chilliwack Chiefs are proud to announce the signing of 2001 born, Brown University commit Nikita Nesterenko for the 2019-20 BCHL season. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Nesterenko is 6’1″ and 165 lbs. He has spent the past three seasons at the prestigious Lawrenceville Academy- last season leading their program in scoring with 30 goals, and 29 assists for 59 points in just 31 league games played. In split-season action with the NJ Titans 18U program, Nikita registered 31 points (17 G, 14 A) in just 13 games. Nesterenko possesses high-end speed and dynamic ability with the puck, and is currently ranked #121 among North-American skaters for the upcoming NHL draft which will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia.  “This is an exciting day for the Chilliwack Chiefs.” said Chiefs Associate coach and Assistant GM Brad Rihela “Nikita Nesterenko is an elite offensive player with a great ability to process the game and make decisions with the puck at top speed. He has obviously been heavily recruited by a number of teams in various leagues, so we are feeling pretty fortunate today that he has chosen to continue his development here in Chilliwack prior to heading off to Brown.” Nesterenko will report to Chilliwack prior to Chiefs Main training camp in mid-August.

Dach Commits To West Kelowna Warriors:

The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of defenseman David Dach(‘01) for the 2019-2020 season. Dach, 18, spent the past three seasons with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers AAA of the Alberta Midget Hockey League(AMHL). This past season Dach was able to register 7 goals and 13 assists in 34 games played with the Rangers. “We are very excited to announce David’s commitment to West Kelowna”, said Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West. “David is a puck moving defenseman who can bring his two way game to our d-core. His game has continued to develop over the past couple seasons with the Fort Sask Rangers Midget AAA team and we look forward to continuing that here in West Kelowna .” The 5’9 176 pound defender was an affiliate of the Whitecourt Wolverines of the AJHL but elected to head to the BCHL this fall. “I’m very excited to play for West Kelowna and be a part of Brandon West’s team”, said Dach. “Brandon is one of the main reasons why I picked the Warriors. The Warriors are also one of the top teams around for sending players to the NCAA. I pride myself on my academics, not only hockey, so the Warriors seemed like an obvious fit.” The Fort Saskatchewan native recently touched up a couple loose ends to his game including defensive play in his own zone. “Offense has always become natural to me, so this past year I’ve worked on trying to round my game on the defensive side”, stated Dach. “I feel like being a well rounded player gives my coach the confidence to use me in a situation whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or late in games.” Dach likes to describe himself as a well rounded two way defender similar to Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon, “We share a similar stature and play the game with skill, smarts, and physicality. Spurgeon also played minor hockey in the same league as me, so I draw lots of comparisons naturally.” The Warriors would like to welcome David and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.

Acee Commits To Alberni Valley:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce a commitment from 2001-born defenceman Moe Acee to join the team for the 2019/20 BCHL season. Acee spent the past two seasons at the Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut. He picked up six goals and 21 points in 47 games in his time with the Winged Beavers, and also helped the Mid-Fairfield Rangers 18U team reach the quarter-finals at the 2019 USA Hockey Nationals in April. “Moe is a mobile and steady defender who plays a smart two-way game,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “We think he has the tools to become an excellent Junior A blue liner and we’re very happy that he’s chosen to take the next steps in his hockey career with the Bulldogs. We’re pleased to welcome Moe and his family to the Alberni Valley.” “I’m thrilled to join the Bulldogs organization for next season,” says Acee, who describes himself as a strong two-way defender whose best assets are his skating and shooting. “Coach Martin and the rest of the Bulldogs staff have a tremendous reputation for winning and developing players. The town of Port Alberni has an incredible sense of community, and coming to an area that has similar qualities to where I grew up feels very welcoming. I’ve always had strong desire to play in the BCHL because I feel as a two-way defenseman I’d thrive in the league’s playing and coaching styles.” Acee will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.

Kurki Commits To Coquitlam Express:

COMMITMENT: We are happy to announce that we've signed 2001-born forward @KurkiLogan! Logan suited up for 2 games last season as an AP while playing for the @NEChiefs_MML.  Stay tuned for another commitment announcement later today!#AllAboard

McInnis & Davenport Commit To Victoria:

The NHL bloodlines continue to grow for the Victoria Grizzlies. With former NHLer Steve Konroyd’s son Stephen set to return for his second season in the Grizzlies’ den, the B.C. Hockey League club on Wednesday added another player with a rather famous dad in hockey circles. Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon announced the signing of two players, including high-scoring American forward Chase McInnis, the son of Marty McInnis, who spent 12 seasons in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins. Chase McInnis comes west after an impressive season in the United States High School Prep League for Dexter School in Brookline, Massachusetts. In 30 games, the speedy winger tallied 18 goals and 25 assists. The strong season attracted plenty of attention from NCAA schools and the 18-year-old recently committed to Northeastern University, not far from his home. His school decision could pose problems at home, however, as his dad is an assistant coach at Northeastern’s arch-rival, Boston College, where the elder McInnis spent three seasons playing in the late 1980s. “It’s going to be interesting . . . no, he’s fine with it and knows Northeastern is a good fit for me, school-wise and for hockey,” said Chase, who is five-foot-nine, 160 pounds, but plays above his weight, according to Didmon. McInnis said he’s excited about coming west and it helped that his good buddy, former Grizzlies forward and Northeastern-bound New York Rangers draft pick Riley Hughes, had nothing but good things to say about the B.C. capital. “I’ve talked a lot about the Grizzlies with Riley and he had nothing but great things to say about the city, the coaching staff and the league, so he said I should definitely go,” added McInnis. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and helping them win.” McInnis will at least have one familiar face in black and gold when he arrives at The Q Centre. The Grizzlies’ other signing Wednesday, James Davenport, lives not far from McInnis in the Boston suburb of Natick, Massachusetts, and the two just faced each other in the playoffs with blue-liner Davenport starring for St. Sebastian’s School. “I know James well,” said McInnis. “Our schools are only about 20-30 minutes apart and we’ve played against each other alot. He’s a great offensive defenceman and will be a great addition for the Grizzlies. I’m lucky we got by [Dexter] in the playoffs.” Davenport, who turned 19 this month, is a five-foot-11 blue-liner and had seven goals and 17 assists in 29 games for St. Sebastian’s. He recently committed to the Ivy League’s Brown University for the fall of 2020. “Both Chase and James are college-ready players so they’ll be a big addition to our lineup,” said Didmon. “McInnis brings speed and skill with grit and has a great touch around the net. And Davenport brings a physical presence on the back end and can play an offensive game, too, so he’ll fit our style of play.” LOOSE PUCKS: Kurtis Chapman, coming off a strong 20-year-old season with the Grizzlies this year, has moved on to U Sports hockey. The netminder from Airdrie, Alta., will play and study at Mount Royal University in Calgary this coming season.

Bohn Commits To Coquitlam:

COMMITMENT: We are pleased to announce that we've signed 2002-born d-man James Bohn! The Coquitlam native played years with the @NEChiefs_MML & suited up in 3 games with the Express as an AP.