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:

Powell River-Surrey Trade:

The Powell River Kings have completed a trade with the Surrey Eagles, acquiring 00-born forward Dawson McKay in exchange for future considerations. McKay, from Houghton, Michigan started last year with the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League where he tallied a goal and assist in 10 games before joining the Surrey Eagles where he picked up 5 goals and 5 assists in 21 games. Prior to junior hockey, McKay spent four years playing high-school hockey with his hometown Houghton Gremlins where he tallied an impressive 65 goals and 121 points in 100 career games. The Kings would like to extend a warm welcome to Dawson ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Coquitlam-Penticton Trade:

The Penticton Vees announced today that they have acquired 2000-born forward Alex DiPaolo from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations. DiPaolo, from Oakville, Ontario, was a rookie in the BCHL last season and had an impressive year. The 6’1’’ forward scored 16 goals and 32 assists in 53 games. His 48 points ranked third on the Express last season. DiPaolo then scored a goal and added two assists five playoff games against the Prince George Spruce Kings. Prior to coming to the BCHL, DiPaolo spent two seasons at Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut, scoring 60 points in 58 games. He has a commitment to UMass Amherst for the 2020-21 season. DiPaolo will join his teammates in Penticton for training camp in mid August.

Merritt-Chilliwack Trade:

The Chilliwack Chiefs have transferred the CJHL playing rights of (00) Forward Chase Nameth to the Merritt Centennials in exchange for future considerations. Nameth, from Regina, Saskatchewan registered 1 Goal and 2 assists last season to go along with 35 PIMS for the Chiefs in 2018-19. “All of us here in Chilliwack wish Chase nothing but the best. He consistently put the work in last season on and off the ice and gained the respect of his peers and Chiefs staff members with his character and work ethic. We hope to see him have a fantastic season in Merritt and want to thank him for all of his efforts.” said Chiefs Associate Coach and Assistant GM Brad Rihela.

Silverbacks Name Day New Director Of Marketing:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are pleased to announce the hiring of Russell Day as the club’s new Director of Marketing. Day joins the organization after graduating from Camosun College in Victoria, B.C. this spring with a degree in sports management. The Vernon, B.C. native brings with him a decade of experience in the golf industry, as he worked 10 years at the Vernon Golf and Country Club. “After meeting with Russell I felt like he’d make a great addition to our business operations,” Silverbacks operations manager Brooks Christensen said. “With him just graduating, I believe he will bring a lot of energy and knowledge to our organization. I look forward to introducing Russell to the community of Salmon Arm and working with our corporate partners.” Day is looking forward to the opportunity. “I am excited to start this new chapter in my career working with the Silverbacks, as I have always wanted to work with a sports organization,” Day said. “I will bring a hard working approach and believe having strong ties to the community is essential. I want to continue to grow the relationship between the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and its fans.” Day can be reached by e-mailing marketing@sasilverbacks.com or by calling him at 250-938-5459. The Silverbacks would like to welcome Russell to the organization.

Surrey-Wenatchee Trade:

The Surrey Eagles have officially acquired forward Cristophe Tellier from the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for Dallas Farrell. Farrell came to the Eagles from the Coquitlam Express as part of the future considerations received in the Ty Westgard trade on January 10th. The 2000-born Tellier netted 30 points in 53 games last season with the Wild, then added 4 more in the playoffs. He is committed to play for Quinnipiac University in the 2020-21 season. He spent the previous two seasons playing with the Iowa Wild AAA program before choosing to play his rookie BCHL season with the Wenatchee Wild. A native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Tellier brings even more speed and skill to Surrey, who have been heavily reworked this offseason by general manager Blaine Neufeld and head coach/associate GM Cam Keith. The staff believes that Tellier should fit in well on the Olympic-sized ice with those attributes. He was named third star after scoring a three-assist performance in his lone appearance at South Surrey Arena in 2018-19. The Eagles have announced a total of eight new recruits for next season as of June 1st, but this is the first trade of the offseason. The team is expected to make even more movement over the next few weeks. 

Chilliwack-Bonnyville Trade:

The Chilliwack Chiefs announced today that they have transferred the CJHL playing rights to (00) D Alexander Marrocco to the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Marrocco, a native of Edmonton, Alberta suited up in 48 regular season games last season for the Chiefs, totalling 2 goals, 16 assists and 33 PIMS. He also dressed for 9 games in the 2019 BCHL playoffs. Chiefs Associate Coach and Assistant GM Brad Rihela had this to say about the transaction, “We would like to thank Alex for his commitment to the Chiefs organization, and the community of Chilliwack. He was a great teammate and player for us last season and we know he will be a very welcome addition in Bonnyville.” 

Cocker Leaves Vees For BCHL Head Office:

The Penticton Vees announced today that assistant general manager Steve Cocker has accepted a new position as the Executive Director of the British Columbia Hockey League, and Director of Hockey Operations Adam West will assume Cocker’s duties with the team. Cocker, from Orangeville, Ontario, joined the Vees for the 2015-16 season and played a large role in Vees hockey operations, scouting new players and helping current players with their educational needs for both high school and university.  Cocker was also hired as an amateur scout for the Buffalo Sabres in the fall of 2017. West, from Calgary, Alberta, came to Penticton for the 2016-17 season and spent the first two years as the video coach before being named the Director of Hockey Ops for the 2018-19 season. He will expand his hockey operations and scouting role and take the lead on assisting Vees players with their educational needs to prepare themselves for college courses. The Vees would like to congratulate Cocker on his new position and West on his expanded role in the organization.

Porchetta Commits To Kings:

The Powell River Kings have added another local product to the lineup for this coming season. 2002-born, Nicolas Porchetta has committed to play in his home town. The 5’8, 167lb Powell River product has spent the last three seasons at the Delta Hockey Academy, where Porchetta scored 35 goals and assisted on 56 others in 92 games over his three year career in Delta. For Porchetta, the opportunity to play in his hometown jersey in the BCHL weighed heavily in his decision making process. “It’s always been my dream to play for the Kings since peewee,” said Porchetta. “I’ve always loved the arena, the team, and the town. It’s my home and this really is a dream come true.” Fans would have seen Porchetta suit up last season as an affiliate in 5 regular season games and 5 playoff games. “I had so many nerves going through my system the first time I played in Powell River colours on Powell River ice in almost 4 years, it was crazy, but it’s something I will remember forever.” Porchetta moved from Powell River to play for the Delta Hockey Academy in his second year of Bantam, “Going from Powell River to Delta really opened more opportunities and experiences to develop as a player and a person. Going to school and training off-ice and on-ice everyday helped me to develop as a player and I plan to implement that same work ethic as a King.” In addition to the home town cooking, Porchetta adds that working with Kings Head Coach Tyler Kuntz was an attractive opportunity. “Working hard is my style of game, I like to play a strong 200-foot game, I like to play gritty and get under my opponents skin. I like the fact that Tyler pushes us to get better, challenges us to improve and develop our game,” says Porchetta. “That’s huge for me, I really look to improve my game every day at both ends of the ice and to have Tyler as my coach is going to be good for me. “In my experience, kids that work hard and are easy to coach and want to get better usually do and Nicolas fits that model,” says General Manager and Head Coach Tyler Kuntz, “I think what the fans are going to see from him next year will be far different from what he’ll be when he’s 19, he’s going to continue to get stronger and better and become more of a leader and role model. He will become a very good player in this league.” “Last season I thought Nicolas improved throughout the season. Every time we called him up, he was better than he was the time before. I thought in the playoffs he was really helpful, he gets under guy’s skin, he plays hard, and he competes.” Porchetta is busy training this summer, staying in Delta until the end of July, “I’m focused on getting stronger, faster and more stable on the puck so I can make that official jump to Junior hockey easier,” said Porchetta. Porchetta will join his new teammates in Powell River starting August 19^th for Main Camp.

Trail-Surrey Trade:

The Surrey Eagles have traded for defenceman Jimmy Darby from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for forward Corey Clifton. Darby, 18, is a native of North Vancouver. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound defenceman scored six points and added 24 penalty minutes in 40 games in his rookie season with the Smoke Eaters last season. Darby brings needed size, defensive ability, and youthfulness to a reworked Eagles core for 2019-20. Before joining the Smoke Eaters, he was a product of the Vancouver NW Giants program of the BC Major Midget League. The team is very excited to bring Darby into the fold, specifically head coach and associate general manager Cam Keith, who expects him to make an impact on the roster right away. “Jimmy is a hybrid defensemen,” Keith said about the team’s newest acquisition. “He has the ability to make smart decisions out of the defensive zone, with high end play making ability in the offensive zone.” Keith also spoke highly about Darby’s physical ability. The coach anticipates that he will lead the way as the team makes an effort to become more difficult to play against. “He’s a force,” Keith explained. “He will make things hard for the top end players on opposing teams. With a year already under his belt as a 17-year-old, we expect him to be an impact player right away.” The Eagles organization would also like to thank Corey Clifton for his dedication during the 2018-19 season. We wish him nothing but the best with his new team. We’ll have more announcements throughout the summer.

Jones Commits To West Kelowna Warriors:

The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of forward Zack Jones(‘01) for the 2019-2020 season.   Jones, 18, spent the past four seasons with the Boston Jr Bandits organization. This past season Jones was able to register 4 goals and 31 assists in 50 games played with the Bandits. “We are very excited to announce Zack’s commitment to West Kelowna”, said Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West. “Zack is a skilled player with excellent vision and IQ for the game. His ability to be creative and make plays will fit in nicely with our forward group.” The 5’9 162 pound forward was sought after by clubs in the USHL as well as junior A clubs around Canada but elected to head to the BCHL this fall. “I was always interested in the BCHL”, said Jones. “Coach West saw me play in person here in Boston and liked the way I play. I also heard very good things about West Kelowna and the organization.” The Bridgewater, MA native is committed to the University of New Hampshire for the 2020-2021 season. Jones says that he’s constantly improving his game. “Ever since my season ended I have been working hard on my strength and speed.”, stated Jones. “I have put on some more weight at the gym and worked on my skating.” Jones likes to describe himself as a well rounded two way forward similar to Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom, “I consider myself a skilled play maker that plays both ends of the ice and competes every shift.” The Warriors would like to welcome Zack and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.

Merritt Commits To Chiefs:

The Chilliwack Chiefs will have a Nova Scotia native in the lineup next season. Arlo Merritt, a six-foot-three and 200 pound forward has signed on for the 2019-20 campaign, bringing size and scoring. Merritt, who hails from Halifax, suited up last season for the Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire. Merritt tallied 19 goals and 30 points in 36 games for the Wildcats and the Chiefs describe him as ‘a very dependable player on both sides of the puck.’ Merritt also played four games for the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. “Arlo is a player we have been scouting for quite some time and also happens to have family in the Chilliwack area,” said Chiefs head coach and general manager Brian Maloney. “He will be a great addition to our forward group as he adds size, strength and plays a mature two-way game that will serve him well in the BCHL.” Merritt comes to town with an NCAA commitment already in hand. He’s due to join the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2020-21. There’s also a chance the 18 year old may be drafted by a pro hockey team later this month. Merritt is ranked 144th overall among North American skaters by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau heading into the entry draft that takes place June 21-22 in Vancouver. Merritt and his new Chiefs teammates will report to Chilliwack for training camp in late August.

Penticton-Toronto Trade:

The Penticton Vees announced today that they have acquired the CJHL playing rights to 1999-born forward Colton Kalezic from the Toronto Patriots in exchange for future considerations. Kalezic spent the 2018-19 season with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL. From Toronto, Kalezic scored 11 goals and added 10 assists in 47 games with the Storm last season.  Prior to his time in the USHL, Kalezic played three seasons with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Patriots. As a rookie in 2015-16 he tallied 15 points in 48 games. The following season he exploded offensively, racking up 48 points in 51 games. He then set career highs with 28 goals and 51 points during his final season with the Patriots in 2017-18. In the 2018 OJHL playoffs, Kalezic scored 10 goals with 15 assists in just 17 games helping the Patriots reach the third round. That season he also represented Canada on the International stage, being named to Team Canada East at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Truro, Nova Scotia.  Kalezic tied for the team lead in scoring with two goals and four assists in six games and was named to the All-Tournament team. He was also teammates with Vees alum Mason Snell at the event. Kalezic comes to Penticton with over 200 games of junior hockey experience, along with an NCAA commitment to Northern Michigan University for the fall of 2020.

Alberni Valley-Whitby Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a trade with the Whitby Fury of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, acquiring the CJHL playing rights of 2001-born goaltender Luke Pearson in return for defenceman Sam Pouliot and future considerations. Pearson spent two seasons with the Fury, including a breakout campaign last year as a 17-year old that saw him post 25 wins, a 1.94 goals-against average and .938 save-percentage. He was the runner-up for the OJHL’s Goaltender of the Year award and was named to the league’s All-Prospect Team. “Luke is a very talented goaltender who has proven himself as an excellent NCAA prospect over two seasons at the Junior A level,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “We’re very excited to welcome Luke and his family to the Alberni Valley and the Bulldogs organization.” “I’m looking forward to the new competition in the BCHL and meeting all my new teammates,” says Pearson, who describes himself as a calm goaltender who likes to keep everything under control and never give up on a play. “I’ve had conversations with the coaching staff and have heard nothing but positive things about the team and the Alberni Valley. I’m also looking forward to leaving my hometown to experience billeting and playing hockey in a different province.” The 18-year old has high expectations for himself and his team heading into his first season with the Bulldogs. “Personally, I want to give my team in front of me a chance to win every night and outplay the opposing goaltender,” he says. “I love to compete and want to prove I can be a top goalie in this league. As a team I believe that we can make playoffs and go on a run. I can’t wait to meet the guys and get ready for the upcoming season!” Headed the other way in the deal is Pouliot, who joined the Bulldogs in an early season trade from the Powell River Kings and registered two assists in 37 regular season games. The 19-year old has also had two stints in the Western Hockey League with the Red Deer Rebels and Swift Current Broncos. “We’d like to thank Sam for all his contributions in a Bulldogs uniform and wish him the best moving forward,” says Martin. Pearson will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.

Holtz Commits To Penticton Vees:

The Penticton Vees announced today that 1999-born defenceman Steven Holtz has committed to the team for the 2019-20 season. He spent the past two years with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League. Holtz, from White Lake, Michigan, stands an imposing 6’4’’ from the blue line weighing in at 190 pounds. As a rookie in 2017-18 Holtz scored once and added five assists in 30 games with the Phantoms. This past season he posted another goal and five assists in 28 games. The right-shot defenceman is a dual citizen and will add stability to the Vees backend when he join his teammates in Penticton for training camp in mid-August.

Express Name Waterfield New Assistant Coach:

It is a full circle return for the newest addition to the Express staff. Victoria native Sam Waterfield has been hired as an assistant coach and will join Head Coach Jason Fortier on the bench this season. Assistant Coach Jamie Jackson, who was named Head Coach of the St Georges Saints E-15  team of the CSSHL, will continue to assist the Express. Waterfield has spent the past 2 seasons at the Head Coach and GM of the Saanich Braves in the VIJHL; he also spent last season as the video coach for the WHL’s Victoria Royals. During his playing days, Waterfield began his junior hockey career right here in Coquitlam, playing in 4 games during the 2008/09 season for the Express. The 6’3″ defenceman spent time in the VIJHL with Saanich before returning to the BCHL to play for Nanaimo and Prince George. Waterfield spent half a season in the NAHL and concluded his journeyman junior career in Manitoba as a member of the Winkler Flyers in 2012. He played 4 years of Canadian University hockey in the ACAC, where he graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a degree in Personal Fitness Training “We are pleased to be able to another passionate and driven coach to assist us along our journey. Sam checked all the boxes for us after Jamie and myself interviewed him. Sam is a hard working coach who will be able to share his playing experiences with our players and connect with them. ” Welcome to the Express family Sam!

Howard Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

The Cowichan Capitals are very pleased to announce that Ben Howard has committed to play for the team for the upcoming season. The 6’0” 200lb goaltender joins the Capitals from the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. The Mustangs have decided to not operate their team this season so all of their players are free to choose new teams. The 19 year old Calgary, Alberta native posted a 12-11-5 record with a 3.05 GAA and .905 Save % in 28 games played for the Mustangs this past season.  The Capitals would like to welcome Ben to the Capitals Family and look forward to seeing him on the ice at Main Camp in late August.