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:
Wolford Commits To Silverbacks:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are pleased to announce their commitment to forward Coalson Wolford for the upcoming BCHL season. Last season the San Jose, California product registered 24 goals and 59 points in 41 games while playing for the Notre Dame Hounds Midget AAA team of the SMHL. Silverback’s Head Coach and General Manager Scott Atkinson had this to say about the signing, “Coalson brings a lot to the table from our perspective, most importantly he’s a high character person who will fit well into our team-first framework and the Salmon Arm community at large. Coalson possesses an excellent all-round skill set, plays a solid 200-foot game, and has a high hockey IQ. Coalson also brings a pedigree of team success with him, he was a key member of the Hounds 2017-18 Telus Cup Championship team.” “Committing to Salmon Arm was a very big decision for myself and my family. This will be my home, my team, and my new family for the next stage of my life. I was amazed by the staff and facilities of the Silverback’s Organization and I knew from the second we walked in this was going to be my new home away from home. Go Silverbacks!” commented by Coalson Wolford
A State Of Limbo For Cranbrook’s Hockey Future:
It was a throwback to a different era inside Western Financial Place when a former WHL team that called Cranbrook home clawed back from an early deficit to earn a thrilling 5-4 win over the visiting Red Deer Rebels. In the final game of the season, the (formerly) Kootenay Ice snapped a six-game losing streak to cap off a season that featured only 13 wins in 68 regular-season games. It was a cathartic win for local major-junior hockey fans, who had watched the team miss the playoffs for the last four years and knew it was their last chance to watch a WHL game in Cranbrook. But the team has officially packed up and moved to Winnipeg, where they will play out of an arena at the University of Manitoba while waiting for the completion of a larger facility currently under construction. But the lingering effects of the move are still felt in Cranbrook, as ownership and the City of Cranbrook are currently in talks to resolve issues that come with breaking the lease agreement at Western Financial Place. The lease agreement, which was signed by the previous ownership in 2008, is in effect through to 2023. Let’s do some very simple math. For the sake of argument, let’s say attendance over the next four years remained at this year’s average of 2,214. According to the lease agreement, the Ice pay an annual occupancy fee of $20,000 if the average paid attendance is below 2,800. Right off the hop, that’s $80,000 in lost occupancy fees over the next four years. Then some other variables come in to play. In addition to the annual occupancy fees, the city gets a two per cent cut of the gross game receipts for each hockey season. Other variables include the loss of parking revenue, concession revenue (which was run by a third party) and some advertising revenue-sharing agreements. How much of a dollar value that adds up to is anyone’s guess. During the press conference announcing the club’s relocation to Winnipeg in February, owner Greg Fettes said it was ownership’s intention to treat Cranbrook fair throughout the lease process. Matt Cockell, the president and general manager, declined to provide an update on the state of the negotiations during a season-ending press conference before the Ice’s last game in Cranbrook. So too, city staff have been pretty quiet about where talks are at. Whether the franchise relocation affects the naming rights of Western Financial Place is also unknown. The arena sponsorship agreement is a 10-year contract that totals $750,000, which included an advance of $500,000 when the deal was signed seven years ago. While the city and the Ice settle the issues around the lease agreement, the question about what happens inside Western Financial Place next hockey season remains unanswered. It’s an open secret that two local groups are pursuing Jr. A options between the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). A BCHL general manager confirmed that two groups had approached the league, however, commissioner Chris Hebbs said the league is not commenting on the situation. Ryan Bartoshyk, the commissioner of the AJHL is also tight-lipped about any potential presence in the Key City. Given that it’s already a week into May, the prospect of getting a Jr. A franchise into Cranbrook by next hockey season dwindles by the day. While the BCHL may seem like a proper fit, the proximity to the Alberta border makes an AJHL franchise in the city an intriguing possibility. However, Hockey Canada bylaws prevent an out-of-province team (AJHL) from playing in B.C. without the permission of its own league and the BCHL. So, there’s that. For 19 years, Western Financial Place has been home to high-quality hockey and fans have been spoiled to see future NHL stars in the infancy of their careers. But even though the WHL is gone, Jr. A leagues in both B.C. and Alberta are producing high-level NHL prospects — Cale Makar was a fourth overall pick out of the AJHL in 2017, while Tyson Jost, Dante Fabbro and Dennis Cholowski were all first-round picks out of the BCHL the year before. In terms of entertainment value, Jr. A would be a great option if a franchise from either league sets up shop in Cranbrook. But there’s a process to go through first, and for now, it remains to be seen how that process will play out. However, it’s doubtful anything will be ready in time for the next hockey season. Till then, go Nitros go!
White Leaves Warriors:
Assistant Coach Taurean White has left the West Kelowna Warriors. White has been named the new Head Coach & assistant Gneral Manager position of the CCHL Nepean Raiders. White spent the past season with the Warriors before leaving the team after just one season.
Jackson Leaves Express For St. George’s:
St. George’s School in Vancouver announced that Jamie Jackson, who had been an assistant coach with the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express, will be the head coach of the school’s Elite 15 team. Jackson also spent four seasons as head coach of the major midget Vancouver-North East Chiefs, and was the general manager and head coach of the junior B Port Moody Panthers (2011-14) Mike Nardi will be Jackson’s assistant coach.
King Commits To Surrey Eagles:
The Surrey Eagles are excited to announce that 2001-born forward Carter King has committed to the team for the upcoming 2019-20 BCHL season. King comes to the Eagles from the Midget AAA Calgary Buffaloes of the Alberta Midget Hockey League. He was signed after impressing at the team’s annual spring identification camp this weekend. In 2018-19, King led his team in scoring with 23 goals in only 34 games played. He added an additional 4 goals and 7 assists in 11 playoff games. He also appeared as an affiliated player for the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he recorded an assist in one game. He is the second new Eagles recruit that played in the AMHL after fellow 2001-born forward Nate Ibraheem of the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, who was committed to earlier in the offseason. “It’s been a goal of mine to reach the BCHL for a few years now,” King told SurreyEagles.ca. “Everyone knows about the scholarships. It’s a big part when you’re looking at what leagues you want to go to. They have a track record of placing guys in the NCAA. That’s the goal that I have, so finding a spot in this league is something I’ve really been looking forward to.” According to King, the opportunity of joining a young team under the guidance of head coach Cam Keith is what initially drew him to attending the team’s spring identification camp – but visiting South Surrey Arena and the surrounding area with his family cemented his desire to play for the Eagles. “He’s a proven coach, working in Trail and Chilliwack,” King said about his new bench boss. “His view of the team as a fast-paced, puck-moving team is the style that I strive under. White Rock/South Surrey is also beautiful place. Coming from Calgary where we get a lot of snow, coming out here, the weather is unbelievable. It’s just a cool opportunity to come into a league like this and have a fresh start.” After leading his team in goals last season, King brings a scoring pedigree with him to Surrey – but he made it abundantly clear that fans should expect to see a smart, two-way style from him. “I see myself as a responsible forward that can think the game well. I pride myself in my hockey IQ, and I think that making plays consistently can really help my teammates play the style of game that they want to play.” “I’m coming here to win. We might not win right away, but we will put in the work because winning is the ultimate goal.” Welcome to the team, Carter!
Bannister Commits To Alberni Valley Bulldogs:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce a commitment from 2001-born forward Tommy Bannister to join the team for the 2019/20 BCHL season. Bannister spent the past three seasons at the Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York. He finished second in team scoring during the 2018/19 campaign, scoring 33 goals and 83 points in 68 games and he is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at St. Lawrence University. “Tommy is a fast, skilled forward who has been a top offensive performer at every level he’s played,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “He comes to our team with an NCAA commitment and we’re excited to see the impact he can have as a BCHL player. We’re pleased to welcome Tommy and his family to the Alberni Valley.” “I’m excited to play and live in Port Alberni,” says Bannister, who describes himself as a high IQ, 200-foot winger with a good scoring touch around the net. “I have always wanted to play in the BCHL and coming to the Alberni Valley and playing for Coach Martin seemed like the right fit for me.” Bannister will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
Moore Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are extremely proud to announce the commitment of defenceman Cooper Moore. A native of Connecticut, Cooper spent last year’s split season playing for the Mid Fairfield Rangers and the Brunswick School. A dynamic left shot defenceman, Cooper is listed at just over 6’1″ and 185 lbs, and is committed to attend the University of North Dakota for the 2020-21 season. In the 2019 USHL Draft, Moore was the highest selected defenceman, 4th overall. Last season for the Brunswick School he registered 13 goals, 18 assists for 31 points in 28 games played. Along with the Chiefs last commitment announcement Nikita Nesterenko, Moore is slated to go in this years NHL Entry Draft- currently ranked #88 overall amongst North American skaters. Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney had this to say when asked about Cooper Moore’s decision to come to Chilliwack despite all the quality development options he had: “Cooper is the dynamic defenceman that we’ve been watching for over a year now. The process of getting Cooper to Chilliwack took quite some time because of all of the options available to him. Not only is Cooper a player with dynamic ability and vision, he is also a phenomenal person who will fit nicely with the Chiefs culture. We look forward to helping Cooper develop as a student-athlete before he heads off to North Dakota.” Cooper Moore will report to main training camp in Chilliwack in mid-August.
Clippers Name Cooper New Director Of Ticketing And Merchandise:
The Nanaimo Clippers announced Tuesday afternoon that they’ve hired Nanaimo native Joe Cooper as the Hockey Clubs new Director of Ticketing and Merchandise. “We are excited to welcome Joe to our Clippers family and know he will do a great job bringing more fans back into Frank Crane Arena.” mentioned Tali Campbell, the Clippers Director of Business Operations “Joe is a familiar face in Nanaimo, and is a huge hockey fan who wants to see our team succeed.” Coopers main role will be ticketing which includes season tickets, group sales, ticket bundles and walk up tickets but he will also work on a Merchandise plan that will bring more stuff to Clippers fans. “I can’t wait to help show the people of Nanaimo what a great hockey organization they have at their doorstep!” said Joe Cooper “Working in hockey has always been a dream of mine, and I am extremely excited to win with the Clippers!” Joe Cooper officially starts June 1st
Eagles Wrap Up Successful Spring Camp:
The Surrey Eagles held their annual spring identification camp this past weekend at South Surrey Arena, and it was a very productive three days for the club. Over 150 players suited up and competed in an effort to make the Eagles’ roster for the upcoming 2019-20 BCHL season, or at the very least be identified as a potential affiliate player. Associate coach and assistant general manager Brad Tobin worked tirelessly alongside head coach and associate general manager Cam Keith in the weeks leading up to the camp to ensure a fun and exciting experience for the players attending. Aside from the Eagles staff, the camp was also attended by numerous coaches and general managers of Junior B teams from the surrounding area who were also looking to bolster their roster. The Eagles committed to a total of four players directly from the camp, and extended many invitations to August main camp to others. The announcements of the committed players will be released throughout the week following the camp, so stay tuned to SurreyEagles.ca for all of the details! The Eagles organization would like to thank all of the players and their families that attended the spring camp, especially those who travelled from out of town. The competition level was extremely high, and all of the coaches were very impressed by the level of talent displayed. We hope it was a rewarding experience for everyone involved!
Burke Commits To Coquitlam Express:
COMMITMENT: We are proud to announce that 2000 born FWD Luke Burke will be joining the Express next season! Burke will be reunited with former Belle Tire teammate & fellow Michigander Drew Cooper here in Coquitlam. He was the captain for Belle Tire last season.#WelcomeAboard
Malmquist Commits To Vees:
The Penticton Vees are excited to announce 2000-born forward Liam Malmquist has committed to the team for the 2019-20 season. almquist, from Edina, Minnesota, comes to Penticton after completing his high school career with the Edina High School Hornets. In 24 games last season, Malmquist scored 23 goals and 29 assists. In the prestigious Minnesota State Tournament, Malmquist then scored four goals and two assists in just three games to help the Hornets win the championship. Malmquist, who turns 19 October 8, also suited up for 21 games with Team Southwest this season, scoring nine goals and 23 assists. Malmquist has two older brothers, Dylan and Derek, with Dylan having just completed his NCAA career at the University of Notre Dame. He played 150 games with the Fighting Irish scoring 91 points. He recently announced his commitment to the University of Wisconsin, and will join his teammates in Penticton for training camp in August.
Gannon Commits To Eagles:
The Surrey Eagles are excited to announce the commitment of 2002-born forward Riley Gannon to the team for the upcoming 2019-20 BCHL season. Gannon was the Rookie of the Year in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League last season with the Nanaimo Buccaneers. He was signed after performing as one of the top players at the team’s recent spring identification camp. At only 16 years old, Gannon scored at more than a point-per-game clip in Junior B. He recorded 21 goals and 29 assists in 46 games, then added another 2 goals and 1 assist in the playoffs. He also appeared in two games with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs as an affiliated player in the 2018-19 season. Choosing to play in a Junior B league at such a young age is a bit of an unusual path, but the decision was made with a purpose. Gannon felt that playing against much older competition would speed up his development and prepare him to play at a higher level. “I believe I made the right choice last year going for Junior B because I wanted to play with and against bigger, stronger players,” Gannon said, explaining his decision to SurreyEagles.ca. “That, and the Buccaneers are such a really well-run program. I’m happy with my decision, I thought I had a pretty good season.” After finishing 9th overall in VIJHL scoring, the results speak for themselves. Gannon completely eclipsed the competition as there wasn’t another 2002-born skater even close to touching his point totals. The next-closest finished tied for 30th with 19 fewer points. His scoring touch was at the forefront of the Eagles’ 2019 Spring Identification Camp. He thoroughly impressed the staff, with head coach and associate general manager Cam Keith ultimately making the decision to sign him on the spot. “I think it’s just a great fit for me here,” Gannon said moments after officially committing. “I really like the big ice surface. It creates a lot of open space and I feel like it gives me a chance to protect the puck more.” For Gannon, who describes himself as “a smaller skilled forward who is quick out of the corners” this is a keen observation. Keith and the rest of his staff have placed a heavy emphasis on speed and skill while assembling the roster for this upcoming season, and this falls right into Gannon’s strengths. While he understands that he is making a big jump to Junior A, he still wants to be able to make an immediate impact. He will focus on strength and conditioning as he prepares to take on even bigger and stronger opponents next season. “I’d definitely like to gain a few pounds coming into next season. I played a couple of games with Alberni and it really helped me understand the pace of the league. I feel comfortable stepping right in and I’m excited to get things going here next season because of that.” Welcome to Surrey, Riley!
Carabin Commits To Express:
COMMITMENT: We are proud to announce that 2000 born D-man @ncarabin27 will be joining the Express next season! Carabin previously played for the @NJ_Avalanche and is committed to @princetonhockey! #WelcomeAboard
Hough Commits To Surrey Eagles:
No comments:
Post a Comment